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The cucumber-infused martini, made with gin, and elderflower liqueur, is summer in a glass! 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 really refreshing.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The gin and elderflower combination seems to be a match made in heaven in terms of flavor profile. Elderflower is a sweet and floral liqueur that naturally compliments the botanical characteristics of gin. But the real trick resides in the fresh muddled cucumbers.
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If you’ve ever considered spiking the cucumber juice commonly served at spas, now is your chance. The trick is to pulverize the cucumber slices with a muddler to quickly infuse the cucumber flavors into the cocktail. You can smell and taste the subtle cucumber notes in every sip.
Elderflower also pairs beautifully with my pear martini. If you’re looking for more of my favorite gin cocktails, try the Last Word cocktail, French 75, and Bee’s Knees.
Ingredients
- Gin: this may be the best cocktail for Hendrick’s gin. Hendrick’s is infused with subtle cucumber and rose flavors—so it’s a nice complimentary gin. Otherwise, traditional London dry gin like Plymouth works just fine.
- Elderflower liqueur: St. Elder and St. Germain are the two most popular options. You can substitute triple sec but it does not jive quite as well. Pamplemousse liqueur would be your next best option.
- Cucumber slices: slice the cucumber for easier muddling. You don’t have to remove the skin but it makes it a little easier.
- Fresh lemon juice: always opt for freshly squeezed lemon. A citrus squeezer is the best way to extract lemon juice. Invest in one if you enjoy making cocktails. If you must use premade, try ReaLemon. Love lemon? try my limoncello martini.
- Simple syrup: 50-50 sugar and water. Make your own with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Gently heat until dissolved in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Basil leaves (optional): sometimes for a different spin on this, I will also muddle in fresh basil for an earthy twist with anise notes. If you like basil, I highly recommend it as the flavor is fresh and phenomenal. It will also turn the cocktail green!
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
How to Make a Cucumber Martini
Step 1.
Muddle the cucumber in a cocktail shaker until completely pulverized.
Step 2.
Add the gin, lemon, elderflower, and simple syrup with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Step 3.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
- Always double-strain shaken cocktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips (and muddled components), for a better drinking experience.
- To make the cucumber garnish, use a Y-peeler to peel a long thin strip from the cucumber. It can be coiled or skewed like pictured.
More Cocktail Recipes
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Cucumber Gin and Elderflower Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ounces gin, Hendrick's or Plymouth
- 3/4 ounce elderflower liqueur, St. Elder, St. Germain
- 4 fresh cucumber slices, muddled
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1-2 basil leaves, optional – see note below
Instructions
- Muddle the cucumber in a cocktail shaker until completely pulverized.
- Add the gin, lemon, elderflower, and simple syrup with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This cocktail is perfection, literally summer in a glass! Delicious and refreshing. I had my first cucumber martini in Belize recently and have been looking for a recipe that does this fantastic cocktail justice – and this one is it. Thank you!
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.