Basil Gin Cucumber Cooler
A crisp and herbal gin cocktail combining fresh cucumber and basil with a splash of elderflower. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together gin, fresh lime juice, elderflower liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
- 4 slices cucumber slices
- 5 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1.5 oz club soda
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, muddle 4 cucumber slices and 5 fresh basil leaves to release their flavors gently.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur, and 0.5 oz simple syrup into the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes to remove solids.
- Step 5: Top with 1.5 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a thin cucumber ribbon curled on a bamboo pick and a small basil sprig resting on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Basil Gin Cucumber Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Basil Gin Cucumber Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover basil gin cucumber cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Basil Gin Cucumber Cooler?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Basil Gin Cucumber Cooler for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Basil Gin Cucumber Cooler?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
