Cucumber-Mint Gin Cocktail
A refreshing, herbaceous drink with crisp cucumber notes and a bright mint finish, perfect for warm evenings. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 10 minutes pairs gin, diced cucumber, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 4 mint leaves
- for shaking ice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1/2 cup diced cucumber and 4 fresh mint leaves until the cucumber is broken down and the mint releases its oil.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill with ice, seal, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Step 4: Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a thin cucumber slice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cucumber-Mint Gin Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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-Mint Gin Cocktail?
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-Mint Gin Cocktail?
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-Mint Gin Cocktail 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-Mint Gin Cocktail?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved it at the barbecue. Easy to make and so refreshing.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer parties! The mint and cucumber make it refreshing.
- ★★★★☆
Took longer than expected to muddle the mint, but the end result was worth it.
