Cucumber Martini may sound a bit odd, but it’s really on the interesting-but-not-for-everyone side, similar to the dirty Martini. Don’t knock it till you try it !
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What is Cucumber Martini?
A cucumber Martini uses fresh cucumber slices in its recipe, and this gives it a subtle, fresh, cooling note. Not everyone is in love with the idea, and that’s okay. There are other versions of martini you can try. But if you’re curious to try out a a cucumber one, here’s the recipe.
Cucumber Martini Cocktail Recipe
A refreshing version of the elegant Martini, with a bit of cucumber.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz blanc vermouth
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2-3 cucumber slices
Instructions
- In a shaker combine gin, vermouth, lime juice, cucumber, ice. Shake well.
- Strain into Martini glass.
Notes
This is not a sweet cocktail, the only sweetness comes from the blanc vermouth.
Make sure you use a good quality gin, as well as vermouth. They will stand out the most here.
When is this drink best ?
I think the cucumber Martini is a great summer cocktail, and it would work even better as an appetizer or pre-dinner drink. Despite the cucumber it’s still an elegant drink served in a beautiful glass, so I would reserve this for some special occasion or a fancier outing.
My thoughts on Cucumber Martini
I found the cucumber Martini quite strong, with a slightly bitter taste from the (almost) neat gin. This is not sweet, which is why I perceived a bitterness. The cucumber is there but very faint, as it should be; it’s a background note, meant to lift the other flavors.
I think the lime juice is a hit or miss. Some will love the addition, some will hate it. Personally I didn’t like it, but had it been a slightly sweet cocktail the lime would’ve worked well.
If you like Cucumber Martini, you might also like…
Cucumber Gimlet – a gin gimlet with fresh cucumber
Cucumber Margarita – a Margarita with fresh cucumber
Dirty Martini – another unorthodox but interesting Martini
Notes, substitutes, and tips
If you want a little more flavor or sweetness in this, consider using less lime juice and adding a bit of simple syrup. Like a 0.75 oz lime juice and 0.25 simple syrup. Or, omit the lime juice and simply express some lime oil into the drink.
