Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (2024)

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Beat the heat with this refreshing, produce-packed co*cktail! This Cucumber Vodka Gimlet is a flavorful twist on a classic drink. Easy to make (less than 5 minutes!), this smooth sipper is made with vodka and loaded with fresh from the garden ingredients like cucumber, basil and a splash of lime juice.

this recipe

Quench your thirst when the weather heats up with this Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe. Brimming with garden fresh flavors like cucumber and basil, this easy, refreshing drink is a slightly sweeter cousin to the martini and perfect for lazy summer nights on the patio.

Jump to:
  • What makes this co*cktail unique
  • What is a gimlet co*cktail?
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • FAQs
  • Expert tips for making this Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe
  • More vodka drinks
  • Recipe

What makes this co*cktail unique

  • Traditional gimlets use gin, but this smooth vodka version relies fresh & flavorful ingredients like basil, cucumber and lime juice instead of preserved, syrupy lime cordial.
  • A purist may claim that gimlets should always be served straight up, but this gimlet drink is equally as refreshing on the rocks (plus it stays colder longer when served over ice!).

What is a gimlet co*cktail?

A gimlet is a simple co*cktail usually made with gin and something called Rose’s Lime Juice.

Note: Never heard of Rose’s Lime Juice? It’s a sweetened, preserved lime juice that you will often find next to the grenadine in the liquor store. It has an almost electric green color. You can’t miss it - literally.

History mentions that gimlet co*cktails originated with British sailors in the 19th century. The ship doctor encouraged his shipmates to add this preserved lime juice to their gin because it was thought to prevent scurvy.

This “medicine” became more socially popular in the 1950’s after a fiction author named Raymond Chandler made it the drink of choice for the detective in his novels.

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (2)

Ingredients

No offense to traditional gimlet lovers, but I'm not a fan of Rose's Lime Juice. So this Cucumber Gimlet uses vodka instead of gin and incorporates fresh ingredients:

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (3)

Instructions

You can easily make this drink in a mason jar:

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (4)

Steps 1 - 2: Muddle cucumber and basil.

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (5)

Steps 3-5: Add liquid ingredients.

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (6)

Steps 6-7: Shake for 30 seconds and strain into glass.

FAQs

Can I use gin instead of vodka in this gimlet drink?


Yes, you can! Since gin has a more distinct flavor, your drink will taste more like a traditional gimlet but be just as delicious as the vodka version.

Can I use a different herb besides basil?


Mint would also be tasty! Or omit the herbs entirely, though I recommend trying it with the herbs first. They give the drink a subtle flavor that really makes every sip well-rounded.

Can you make this cucumber gimlet without alcohol?


If you prefer an alcohol free version of this gimlet, simply replace the vodka with sparkling water and add a bit more simple syrup.

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (7)

Expert tips for making this Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe

  • Muddling 101: Although it may seem like extra, you should muddle the cucumber before the basil. Why? Muddling is more than just pulverizing fruit/vegetables or herbs into mush. There is actually a science to muddling that is critical to the taste of your co*cktail.
    • The first thing to know is there aretwo different muddlers for fresh fruit/vegetables and herbs: a toothed muddler for fruits and a blunt muddler for herbs. A quality muddler will have a toothed end and a blunt end, eliminating the need for two separate muddlers (thismuddleris our favorite).
    • The cucumber needs more pressure than delicate herbs souse the toothed end in a pressing and twisting motion to release its juices.
    • Herbs require a lighter touch.Use the blunt end of the muddler to gently press and bruise the fresh basilto release its oils and flavors. The key is to use a gentle touch. If you use too much pressure, you will crush and tear the leaves and they will become bitter in the drink.
  • Because this drink is often served straight up, make sure you shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to thoroughly chill the drink before straining into the glass. Of course, you can also serve this on the rocks if you prefer. Both options are equally refreshing!
  • The recipe can be easily multiplied to make enough for a crowd. Plus it keeps well in the fridge if made in advance - a bonus when entertaining.Simply set out a pitcher filled with the co*cktail along with glasses and drink garnishes like extra cucumber and basil and let guests serve themselves. I like to keep a long-handled stirring spoon in the pitcher so guests can quickly re-stir the co*cktail before pouring.

More vodka drinks

  • Elderflower Gin Gimlet
  • Vodka Strawberry co*cktails
  • Bootlegger Drink

Or check out all of our co*cktail recipes in our archives!

Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 

Recipe

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (11)

Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe

Garnish With Lemon

Brimming with garden fresh flavors like cucumber and basil, this easy, refreshing drink is a slightly sweeter cousin to the martini and perfect for lazy summer nights on the patio.

4.84 from 25 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Vodka

Cuisine American

Servings 1 co*cktail

Calories 234 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 thick slices cucumber cut into chunks
  • 4 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 ½ ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce simple syrup
  • ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

  • Place cucumber in a mason jar or co*cktail shaker. Muddle well. Add basil and gently muddle again.

  • Add ice, vodka, simple syrup and lime juice to the jar, cover and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds.

  • Strain gimlet into a chilled coupe glass or lowball glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh basil and cucumber, if desired.

Notes

  • Not a vodka fan? Use gin instead. Or make it non-alcoholic by swapping the vodka for sparkling water and adjusting the simple syrup to taste.
  • Make your own simple syrup at home! It's easy and much cheaper than buying it at the store.
  • Use the toothed end of a muddler to muddle the cucumber and the flat or rounded end to gently muddle the basil.
  • Want to try a different herb? Mint is a tasty substitute for the basil.
  • Serve a crowd by multiplying the ingredients by the number of guests. Make ahead up to 8 hour ahead of time and keep it in a pitcher in the fridge until party time. Stir well before serving.

VIDEO

Nutrition

Serving: 1co*cktailCalories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gSodium: 4mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

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Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (12)

About Anna

Hi, I’m Anna, a former corporate communications nerd turned food fanatic. Turns out I like cooking for others A LOT more than explaining HR policies to them. C’mon over!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (13)Hef Matthews says

    I added a tiny amount of Thai Chili Pepper to this to give it a kick. Delicious.

    Reply

  2. Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (14)kim leonhardt says

    I would like this recipe for mixing in a large gallon container.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (15)Anna says

      Hi Kim, you can easily multiply the recipe to get whatever number of servings you need. I hope your guests love it!

      Reply

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Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a vodka gimlet made of? ›

Vodka, fresh lime juice and simple syrup are all you need to make a vodka gimlet. Simply combine the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Then shake vigorously and strain into a glass. Because the botanicals of gin feature prominently in the traditional gimlet, choose your vodka with care.

How do you make Stone Barrington's vodka gimlet? ›

Stone Barrington Freezer Door Gimlet

Pour six ounces from a 750 ml. bottle of vodka (you'll think of something to do with it), and replace with Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice, and a tiny bit of water. Shake, and put in the freezer overnight. The water will create ice shards.

How much sugar is in effen cucumber? ›

Finish
TYPICAL VALUES1.5 FL.OZ. Serving Size
Fat (g)0
Protein (g)0
Carbohydrates (g)0
Sugar (g)0
5 more rows

What kind of cucumber is best for co*cktails? ›

Long English Cucumbers are perfect to use in dressings, smoothies, drinks, and (if you're looking to try something a little different) even as veggie “noodles”. Try Long English Cucumbers in these tasty recipes: Cucumber Mojito Mocktail.

Is a vodka gimlet a well drink? ›

What are common well drinks? Vodka soda, vodka cranberry screwdriver, Moscow mule, dirty Shirley, madras, kamikaze, gin and tonic, gin buck, gimlet, Cuba libre, daiquiri, mojito, dark and stormy, margarita, tequila sunrise, whiskey sour, whiskey and co*ke, and Long Island iced tea.

Why is it called a vodka gimlet? ›

Etymology. The word "gimlet" used in this sense is first attested in 1928. The most obvious derivation is from the tool for drilling small holes, a word also used figuratively to describe something as sharp or piercing. Thus, the co*cktail may have been named for its "penetrating" effects on the drinker.

What does a vodka gimlet say about you? ›

If you usually opt for a Gimlet when you're at a bar, you'll most likely pride yourself on being open and honest to those around you. You are confident in your own decisions, trust your judgement and make great friends because of your straight-talking approach and stabilising force.

What is the difference between a vodka Gibson and a gimlet? ›

2) Gibson is a co*cktail made with vodka and vermouth, while a Gimlet is a co*cktail made with vodka and lime juice.

What is the difference between a vodka gimlet and a vodka martini? ›

Like it's more famous cousin, an authentic gimlet is gin based, but also works well with vodka instead. It's also just two ingredients poured into a co*cktail or coupe glass. But unlike a martini, the gin gimlet recipe calls for lime juice instead of vermouth. The original is also less fiddly.

What do you mix effen cucumbers with? ›

Pepino
  • 1 part EFFEN Cucumber Vodka.
  • 2 parts lemon lime soda.
  • Splash of lime juice.
  • Tajin® Clasico Seasoning.
  • Cucumber wheel.

Does Effen vodka still exist? ›

Effen Vodka is the pure, unadulterated form of this well-known alcohol. Made with care and commitment in Holland, using only the finest Continental European ingredients, distilled five times, and continually carbon-filtered.

Who owns Effen Vodka? ›

Effen is a vodka brand launched in 2002 by three Chicago-based drinks marketing professionals, and now owned by the multinational beverage giant Beam Suntory.

Should co*cktail cucumbers be refrigerated? ›

Once you've washed and wrapped them, the best way to store cucumbers is in the crisper drawer (a.k.a. produce drawer) of your fridge, set on high humidity with the fan closed. High humidity helps the ethylene-sensitive fruit retain moisture and keeps it from wilting.

What cucumber has the best flavor? ›

A few favorites include 'Beit Alpha,' which is grown for its sweet flavor and exceptionally thin skin. 'Suyo Long' is a seedless, mild-flavored variety from northern China that grows about 18 inches long. 'China Jade' has striking yellow-green flesh and long, thin-skinned fruit.

What is a cucumber in vinegar called? ›

A pickled cucumber – commonly known as a pickle in the United States and Canada and traditionally a gherkin (/ɡərkɪn/) in Britain, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand – is a usually small or miniature cucumber that has been pickled in a brine, vinegar, or other solution and left to ferment.

How do you order a gimlet at a bar? ›

Ordering "a gimlet" will get you shakened gin and lime juice, with a dash of soda. If you want to up your gin preference, you'll of course need to state your gin preference (there is a pointed theme going here), and note the drink is classically served up and not on the rocks.

What alcohol is in a gimlet? ›

A simple, classic co*cktail—just gin (or vodka), lime, and sugar—the gimlet is one of the gems among classic co*cktails, with a long history stretching from the high seas to Madison Avenue.

What's the difference between a daiquiri and a gimlet? ›

The gimlet is a fascinating blend of flavors and stories. A gimlet is to gin what a daiquiri is to rum, since they are both made using a simple mixture of a spirit, lime juice, and sugar.

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