Shaken Gin and Cucumber Cocktail
A refreshing gin cocktail featuring bright cucumber and zesty lime, perfect for a light and crisp drink. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together London dry gin, fresh cucumber, peeled and diced, fresh lime juice 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 150 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 oz London dry gin
- 1/4 cup fresh cucumber, peeled and diced
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 oz club soda
- 1 slice cucumber slice for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1/4 cup peeled and diced fresh cucumber into a cocktail shaker and muddle gently until the cucumber releases its juice but retains some texture, about 20 seconds.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz London dry gin, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup into the shaker with 1 cup ice cubes. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled and well mixed.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Top with 2 oz club soda and gently stir once to combine.
- Step 4: Garnish with 1 slice fresh cucumber on the rim and serve immediately for a crisp, cooling cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shaken Gin and Cucumber Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Shaken Gin and Cucumber Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover shaken gin and cucumber cocktail 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 Shaken Gin and Cucumber 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 Shaken Gin and Cucumber 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 Shaken Gin and Cucumber 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 how refreshing this was at dinner. Made it for guests and got multiple requests!
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer gatherings! The cucumber freshness balanced the gin beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Great base, but the cucumber muddled too quickly for my taste. Took 10 minutes longer than recipe said.
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