Herbaceous Gin Martini with Cucumber Twist

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crisp and elegant gin martini accented with fresh cucumber and a subtle herbal note, served chilled with a clean finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together dry gin, dry vermouth, thin slices cucumber slice 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.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 thin slices of cucumber in a mixing glass and gently muddle to release fresh juices.
  2. Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 2.5 oz dry gin and 0.5 oz dry vermouth.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  4. Step 4: Double strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass to remove cucumber bits.
  5. Step 5: Garnish by threading a fresh thyme sprig onto a thin cucumber ribbon, twisting it gently, and resting it on the rim of the glass.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbaceous Gin Martini with Cucumber Twist 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 Herbaceous Gin Martini with Cucumber Twist?

Refrigerate any leftover herbaceous gin martini with cucumber twist 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 Herbaceous Gin Martini with Cucumber Twist?

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 Herbaceous Gin Martini with Cucumber Twist 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 Herbaceous Gin Martini with Cucumber Twist?

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.