Cucumber Basil Gin Martini with Fresh Herb Infusion

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing martini twist featuring crisp gin infused with fresh cucumber juice and fragrant basil leaves, garnished with a cucumber wheel. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 8 minutes pairs gin, dry vermouth, fresh cucumber juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 8 min Serves 1 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Muddle 4 fresh basil leaves gently in the bottom of a mixing glass to release their aroma without tearing.
  2. Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to chill the ingredients.
  3. Step 3: Add 2.5 oz gin, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, and 0.75 oz freshly pressed cucumber juice over the ice and basil.
  4. Step 4: Stir gently for 25 seconds until the mixture is cold and well combined.
  5. Step 5: Double strain into a chilled martini glass to remove basil bits.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1 thin cucumber wheel floated on the surface for a crisp visual and aroma.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cucumber Basil Gin Martini with Fresh Herb Infusion take to make?

Total time is about 8 minutes (8 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cucumber Basil Gin Martini with Fresh Herb Infusion?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cucumber Basil Gin Martini with Fresh Herb Infusion?

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 Cucumber Basil Gin Martini with Fresh Herb Infusion 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 should I serve with Cucumber Basil Gin Martini with Fresh Herb Infusion?

A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.

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