Cucumber Martini

Here is a Cucumber Martini recipe that will have you swooning after the first sip! It’s an irresistibly cooling cocktail made with only 5 ingredients to enjoy all spring and summer long!

Why you’ll love this cucumber martini recipe

Cool as a cucumber! Whether you want a cucumber martini with vodka or you’re more of a cucumber gin martini type, this is the recipe for you. You get all the cooling sensation of cucumber with whichever choice of liquor you decide to go with. Feel free to adjust the sweetness level to your liking, too.

Fancy craft cocktail right at home! When I make this martini with cucumber, I like to think I am at a fancy restaurant, dining away in my finest attire. It has the craft cocktail appeal with a short list of simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local liquor store.

Light in calories and strong! You heard that right – this is a homemade cocktail recipe that is super light in calories since most of the flavor comes from fresh cucumber and just a touch of simple syrup (if you decide you want it a little sweeter). And because we are using hard liquors, like vodka or gin, it packs a strong punch on the alcohol content.

Ingredients

This muddled cucumber martini requires only 5 ingredients (ice not included) – most of which you probably already have on your bar cart.

• Cucumber slices
• Vodka or Gin
• Dry vermouth
• Fresh lime juice
• Simple syrup

Ingredient substitutions and notes:

• Use English or Persian cucumbers, which have thinner skins and smaller seeds.
• If going for vodka, my favorites are Ketel One or Tito’s.
• If choosing gin, I like Hendrick’s or Tanqueray.
• Simple syrup is totally optional. Omit it altogether or adjust to your liking.

How to make a cucumber martini

This cucumber cocktail is ready in less than 5 minutes. Let’s get shaking!

Muddle cucumber: In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle together the cucumber slices until the juices have released and they are smashed.

Shake: Add ice, vodka or gin, vermouth, lime juice, and simple syrup, if using. Cover and shake for 30 seconds (this makes it icy cold!). Strain into a martini glass.

Garnish: Peel the cucumber at a horizontal angle with a vegetable peeler to create a cucumber ribbon. Garnish the martini glass and enjoy!

How to muddle cucumber

Cucumbers are full of water and sweet essence, so they break down easily with a muddler. Simply cut into thick slices, about 1 1/2 inches, and place in the bottom of your cocktail shaker (no need to peel or remove the seeds!). Muddle with a cocktail muddler or small wooden rolling pin until the juices release and they look smashed.

The seeds and fibrous bits will remain in the cocktail shaker once it’s strained.

Try a variation

While I adore this simple cucumber martini recipe, you can add or swap one of the ingredients to make it something extra extra special. You could try:

• Lemon: Replace the lime juice with fresh lemon juice.
• Honey: Use your favorite runny honey instead of simple syrup.
• Mint / Basil: Muddle a few mint or basil leaves along with the cucumber.
• Elderflower: Add a splash of sweet and floral St. Germain.

Serving suggestions

Gone are the days when you have to spend a ton on a masterly crafted cocktail. Serve these beauties any night of the week with grilled lemon chicken, blue cheese burgers or broccolini salad, depending on your style.

Or, double, triple, quadruple the batch and make a ton for your friends at your next Memorial Day party or 4th of July BBQ. The cooling cucumber really takes away the heat on those hot summer days.

Looking for more martini recipes? Check these out!

• Limoncello Martini
• Passion Fruit Martini
• Espresso Martini

If you make this Cucumber Martini recipe, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!

I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!