The cucumber martini made with gin and elderflower (St. Germain) is summer in a glass. Personally, I never used to be a gin martini lover, however, this cocktail has changed my mind forever. Gin tends to be bold and piny, but this gin and elderflower concoction is smooth, slightly sweet, citrusy and refreshing.
The gin and elderflower cocktail combination seems to be a match made in heaven in terms of the flavor profile. Elderflower is a sweet and floral liqueur that naturally compliments the floral and piny characteristics of gin. But the real trick resides in the fresh muddled cucumbers.
What Type of Gin Should I Use?
This may be the best cocktail for Hendrick’s gin. Hendrick’s gin is infused with subtle cucumber and rose flavors—so clearly a nice complimentary gin. It’s my favorite gin to use in any fruit-forward cocktail or sip on the rocks. Otherwise, I’ll use a more traditional dry gin like Plymouth.
How to Make a Cucumber Martini
The cucumber juice makes this cucumber-infused cocktail taste refreshing and spring-like. Like that fancy cucumber-infused water they serve in hotel lobbies and spas. This drink is guaranteed to make you look and feel more sophisticated with every sip.
You have to really pulverize the cucumber slices to get the cucumber juice and flavors into the cocktail. Don’t skip this part or wimp out. You can really smell and taste the subtle cucumber notes in every sip—and makes the drink that much more complex.
Add Fresh Basil for a Twist
Sometimes for a different spin on this, I will also muddle in fresh basil for an earthy twist. If you like basil, I highly recommend as the flavor is fresh and phenomenal. It will also turn the cocktail green!
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The official cocktail of spring. Gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice and fresh muddled cucumbers. A super refreshing and aromatic cucumber martini.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces gin (try Hendrick’s)
- 3/4 ounce elderflower liqueur
- 4 fresh cucumber slices, muddled
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
Instructions
- Muddle the cucumber in a cocktail shaker until completely pulverized. Add the remaining ingredients along with a cup of ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice and enjoy.
Keywords: cucumber cocktail, gin and elderflower, cucumber martini
Great recipe. Had the cucumber basil smash cocktails at the Hendricks gin club At Lollapalooza this summer and loved it. The St. Germaine is a nice addition. Going to try it without the simple syrup next go round. Thanks for the recipe!!
★★★★★
Just made this for my husband. It is sooo good. Love the freshness of the muddled cucumber. Yum and thank you!
Perfect! Crisp, refreshing, savory & sweet. Wish I would have seen this recipe during summer when my cucumbers were plentiful.
★★★★★
Add some basil next time, too.
It’s ok. Too sweet for my taste. Next time I’ll use less simple syrup and less St. Germaine. I’ll add the Basil too.
★★★
I first had a cucumber and elderflower martini in London and fell in love. As soon as I got back to the States I bought some Hendricks and Elderflower liqueur. I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Couldn’t have picked a better gin – the Hendricks is PERFECT for this martini. Hope you enjoy!
I wanted something new to make with gin and St. Germain, so I googled recipes and came across this. Drinking it now, and thoroughly enjoying it. It’s one of those perfectly balanced cocktails that you could easily drink one too many of without realizing it! I will just be having one 😉
Thank you Kelly! I’d have to agree with you. Perfectly balanced cocktail. So glad you found me – cheers.
Delicious! I used fresh lime juice in lieu of lemon juice.
Thanks Maggie. There are so many ways to switch this cocktail up. Can’t do the gin, grapefruit, and cucumber combo wrong!
This is by far my favorite cocktail! Thank you!
Hi Shawn:
Thank you for making your Martini with Gin. Gin is what Martinis are supposed to be made from after all. And the elderflower liqueur … absolutely adore it. Pricey but worth it. I’m going to try this with Thai basil just to be quirky.
★★★★★
You’re welcome Lizzie – I’m a big fan of elderflower as well.
Absolutely delicious! Muddling in fresh basil makes it even better.
★★★★★
Thanks Tracey! YES, the basil really takes it to the next level.