WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Gin — as the base of this cucumber martini, it’s best to pick a good quality gin. I went with honey-infused Barr Hill Gin, which has a strong juniper flavor profile. Every gin brand has its own different subtle botanicals flavor notes, so pick your favorite to make this martini! Vermouth — be sure to pick up dry white vermouth and not sweet red vermouth. Dry vermouth is a fortified wine with a crisp tart flavor that tastes similar to a dry white wine. Once open, vermouth needs to be stored in the refrigerator and used within two months. Cucumber — while any cucumber will work for this martini, I suggest using English cucumbers, also known as seedless cucumbers, so it’s easier to strain. Kirby or Persian cucumbers may have a more bitter taste to them in comparison.
HOW TO MAKE A CUCUMBER MARTINI
- Cut the cucumber into ¼ inch slices, you’ll need 4 to 6 slices for the cocktail.
- Add the cucumber slices to a glass.
- Pour vermouth into the glass and muddle the cucumbers.
- Transfer everything and add the gin to a cocktail shaker and add a handful of ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber.
PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE
To make the drink even colder, you can chill your martini glasses in the freezer beforehand. Feel free to add more or less gin to make the cocktail as strong as you prefer. Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You can use a mason jar or any jar with a tight-fitting lid then strain through a mesh strainer. Try adding some green herbs for a bit of fresh mint, basil, or thyme for an extra botanical note! For added sweetness, try adding an ounce of St. Germaine or simple syrup. Citrus goes really well with cucumber, so if you don’t want to use a cucumber as a garnish, you can use a lemon or lime twist!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do you muddle without a muddler?
If you don’t have a muddler, you can use a long wooden spoon, a thin rolling pin, or even a mortar and pestle if you’re in a pinch. Anything that can gently mash the cucumbers to help them release their juices will work.
How is gin different from vodka?
Vodka is a neutral spirit that is mostly water and alcohol, making it tasteless whereas gin has more herbal notes to it. The herbal notes are from mixing neutral spirits, with or over juniper berries and other aromatics. US regulations mandate that gin “shall derive its main characteristic flavor from juniper berries and be bottled at not less than 80° proof” so the main difference is the use of juniper berries.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make this cucumber martini recipe ahead of time for a party. To do so, scale up all of the ingredients, minus the ice, then store the drink in a jar or pitcher with a lid in the fridge. When ready to serve, shake the cocktail with ice. I don’t recommend making this martini too many days ahead of time as you’d want the cucumber flavors to taste fresh.
Do I shake or stir?
For this cucumber martini, you can do either. Shaking allows the vermouth to dissolve into the gin as well as getting the cocktail colder from the ice but stirring keeps the gin from bruising, preventing a slightly bitter taste and provides a better mouthfeel texture. It’s up to you which you prefer. If you’ve tried this Cucumber Martini recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
