The cucumber gin and elderflower (St. Germain) martini 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 the cucumber gin and elderflower martini is smooth, slightly sweet, citrusy and ultra refreshing.
The gin and elderflower combo seems to be in right now. Elderflower is a sweet and floral liqueur that naturally compliments the floral and piny characteristics of gin. But the real trick to this cocktail is the fresh muddled cucumbers. The cucumber juice makes this cocktail taste refreshing and spring-like. Like that fancy cucumber infused water they serve in hotel lobbies and spas, ONLY BETTER. This drink is guaranteed to make you look and feel more classy with every sip. GUARANTEED.
You have to really pulverize the cucumber slices to get the cucumber flavors out. Don’t skip this part. It’s worth it because you can smell and taste the subtle cucumber notes in every sip—and makes the drink that much more complex. 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. It will also turn the cocktail green!
Yield:
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PinIngredients
- 3 ounces gin
- 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.
Absolutely delicious! Muddling in fresh basil makes it even better.
★★★★★
Thanks Tracey! YES, the basil really takes it to the next level.
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.
This is by far my favorite cocktail! Thank you!
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!
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.
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!
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.
★★★
Just made this for my husband. It is sooo good. Love the freshness of the muddled cucumber. Yum and 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!!
★★★★★