Muddled Cucumber Gin Smash with Fresh Mint
A bright and refreshing gin cocktail featuring muddled cucumber and fresh mint leaves, perfect for a summer gathering. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes pairs gin, cucumber slices, leaves fresh mint leaves 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 6 slices cucumber slices
- 8 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 for garnish mint sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, muddle 6 cucumber slices and 8 fresh mint leaves gently to release aroma but avoid pulverizing.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled.
- Step 3: Double strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes to remove solids.
- Step 4: Top with 1 oz club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 fresh mint sprig and a thin cucumber wheel on the rim before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Muddled Cucumber Gin Smash with Fresh Mint take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Muddled Cucumber Gin Smash with Fresh Mint?
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 Muddled Cucumber Gin Smash with Fresh Mint?
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 Muddled Cucumber Gin Smash with Fresh Mint 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 Muddled Cucumber Gin Smash with Fresh Mint?
General 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.
