Cucumber Martini
This Cucumber Martini is a crisp, spa-like cocktail made with muddled cucumber, fresh lime, vodka or gin, and a touch of sweetness. Cool, refreshing, and elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for any weeknight.
Ingredients
- 4-5 slices fresh cucumber about 1/4-inch thick; English or hothouse cucumber preferred
- 2 oz vodka or gin use a good-quality brand you’d drink straight
- 1 oz fresh lime juice freshly squeezed
- 3/4 oz simple syrup or agave or honey syrup
- 4-6 leaves fresh mint optional, for a cucumber mint martini
- ice cubes fresh, clean-tasting ice
- cucumber ribbons or wheels for garnish
- lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Place your martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. Gather a cocktail shaker (or mason jar with a tight lid), a muddler or wooden spoon handle, a jigger or small measuring cup, and a fine mesh strainer if you have one.
- Add the cucumber slices and mint leaves (if using) to the bottom of the shaker. Gently muddle—press down and twist a few times until the cucumber releases its juice and the mint is fragrant, but not pulverized.4-5 slices fresh cucumber, 4-6 leaves fresh mint
- Pour the vodka or gin and the fresh lime juice into the shaker over the muddled cucumber and mint.2 oz vodka or gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Add the simple syrup. Start with 3/4 oz; use a bit less if you prefer a tarter drink or a bit more if you like it sweeter. You can always adjust next time.3/4 oz simple syrup
- Fill the shaker about 3/4 full with ice. Seal and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold and frosty.ice cubes
- Remove the martini glass from the freezer. Strain the cocktail into the glass. For an ultra-smooth drink, double strain through a fine mesh sieve to catch cucumber seeds and mint bits.
- Garnish with a cucumber wheel on the rim, a cucumber ribbon curled inside the glass, and/or a lime wheel. Serve immediately while icy cold.cucumber ribbons or wheels, lime wheel
Notes
For a sugar-free version, swap simple syrup for a liquid monk fruit or stevia-based sweetener (start with a few drops and adjust). For stronger cucumber flavor, blend extra cucumber, strain the juice, and add 1–2 tablespoons to the shaker. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top or a light salted rim can make the cucumber flavor pop. Taste the mixture before shaking and adjust lime or sweetness as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcal
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