Garden To Table Cheese Boards, Grazing & Entertaining

Cucumber Mint Gimlet

This Cucumber Mint Gimlet is my new favorite summer drink. I have been a fan of gimlets for a while. They are simple, delicious, and clean. This Cucumber Mint Gimlet though is so much more. The mix of fresh cucumber simple syrup, lime, fresh mint, and gin… perfect.

A Cucumber Mint Gimlet cocktail in a rocks glass garnished with a thin strip of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

I first had this drink at a friend’s birthday party a few weekends ago… let me pause there. I was at a party… in the garden… with friends… and we celebrated. It was perfect. I have so missed spending time with friends, sharing space, sharing food, and seeing their faces. It was something to be celebrated.

On the menu at this party was the Cucumber Mint Gimlet. It was also perfect. It was an instant favorite. So fresh, tangy, and sweet with the coolness of the cucumber coming through. I knew I had to recreate it, and make a low carb version. For many cocktails this is really just switching out the simple syrup or sugar with a sugar alternative.

A Cucumber Mint Gimlet cocktail in a rocks glass garnished with a thin strip of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

What Is A Gimlet?

A gimlet is a classic cocktail which is quite simply, a spirit (traditionally gin), mixed with lime juice and simple syrup to take the edge off. It is one of my favorites for its simplicity. It is hard to mess up. But as with most simple, minimal ingredient recipes, using quality ingredients is key. Use a great gin. I used Barr Hill Gin. It is made here in Vermont and is distilled with honey. It’s one of my favorites.

How To Make Cucumber Simple Syrup

Making the Cucumber Simple Syrup for this recipe is very easy and doesn’t take very long. It is totally worth putting together a batch for the weekend or for entertaining. It pairs perfectly with lounging outside in the summer.

First, with the skin on, finely chop the cucumber in a food processor. This can also be done by hand using a box grater. You want it to be quite pulverized so that it can infuse the syrup. Next, combine the water and the sugar in a medium saucepan and heat on medium heat. Bring to a simmer and swirl until the sugar has dissolved. Heat for a few more minutes.

To make this Cucumber Simple Syrup low carb and keto-friendly, I used a sugar alternative instead of traditional sugar. The two are interchangeable in measure, so if you are not on a low carb diet, you can substitute with regular sugar.

Next, remove the pan from the heat and add the cucumber. Cover and let steep for about half an hour. After this time, strain over a fine colander or sieve, squeezing as much liquid out of the cucumber as possible by pushing with the back of a spoon. Store in a container in the fridge.

A Cucumber Mint Gimlet cocktail in a rocks glass garnished with a thin strip of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

I hope you give this a try, it is so good. It’s something that I will be sipping all summer long.

If you make this Cucumber Mint Gimlet be sure to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you. And if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see!

How To Make: Cucumber Mint Gimlet


Reviews

Ingredients:

Adjust Servings
2 Ounces Gin (I used Barr Hill Gin)
1 Ounce Fresh Lime Juice
4 Sprigs Fresh Mint
1 Ounce Cucumber Simple Syrup
For The Cucumber Simple Syrup
1 Cup Sugar Or Sugar Alternative
1 Cup Water
1 Cucumber
Nutritional Information
3.1 Grams Net Carbs
0.1 Grams Fat
142 Calories

Directions

1.
First, make the Cucumber Simple Syrup
Finely chop the cucumber in a food processor or grate by hand – leaving the skin on.
Mark as complete
2.
In a medium pan, combine the sugar or sugar alternative and the water.
In a medium pan, combine the sugar or sugar alternative and the water. Heat to a low simmer and swirl until the sugar has dissolved. Simmer for a few minutes more.
Remove from the heat and add the cucumber to the mixture. Let stand off the heat for half an hour. Strain through a sieve, pushing as much liquid from the cucumber as possible. Store in a container in the fridge.
Mark as complete
3.
Prepare your cocktail glass,
(Optional) In a rocks glass, add a thin slice of cucumber to the glass horizontally to garnish. Fill the glass with ice.
Mark as complete
4.
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint with the lime juice.
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint with the lime juice till well macerated. Fill the shaker with ice.
Mark as complete
5.
Add the gin and cucumber simple syrup.
Add the gin and cucumber simple syrup and shake well.
Mark as complete
6.
Strain into the prepared glass.
Strain the cocktail shaker, pouring into the prepared cocktail glass over the ice.
Mark as complete
7.
Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Mark as complete
Notes
The Cucumber Simple Syrup recipe will give you about 2 cups of simple syrup, enough for 16 gimlets.

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