Classic Gin and Cucumber Stirred Martini
A crisp and clean martini stirred with fresh cucumber essence for a cool and elegant finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together gin, dry vermouth, thin slices fresh cucumber slices 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 140 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
- 2.5 oz gin
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 2 thin slices fresh cucumber slices
- enough to fill mixing glass ice cubes
- 1 for garnish cucumber ribbon
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 thin slices of fresh cucumber in a mixing glass and muddle gently to release flavor.
- Step 2: Add 2.5 oz gin and 1/2 oz dry vermouth to the mixing glass, then fill with ice cubes to the top.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly without clouding the drink.
- Step 4: Strain into a chilled coupe glass using a fine mesh strainer to remove cucumber bits.
- Step 5: Garnish by creating a long cucumber ribbon, twisting it, and resting it along the inside rim of the glass.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Gin and Cucumber Stirred Martini take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Classic Gin and Cucumber Stirred Martini?
Refrigerate any leftover classic gin and cucumber stirred martini 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 Classic Gin and Cucumber Stirred Martini?
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 Classic Gin and Cucumber Stirred Martini 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 Classic Gin and Cucumber Stirred Martini?
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.
