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.

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.

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.

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