The Cucumber Gin Smash incorporates the crisp and invigorating flavors of cucumber and basil, making it a refreshing choice for spring and summer gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
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Basil Cucumber Gin Smash Cocktail Recipe
Something about the cool refreshing crisp taste of cucumber and the botanical taste of gin complement each other so well.
This drink is absolute perfection for a spring or summer evening. Sitting and sipping on this green colored drink made with slices cucumber and basil leaves muddled together and then mixed with lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, and then topped off with seltzer or soda water.
This is a smash cocktail. Typically a smash cocktail incorporates a base spirit, sugar, herb, and seasonal produce usually a fruit then topped off with sparkling water. A lot of smash cocktails will be made with fruit and sometimes smash the fruit right in the glass. This Cucumber Gin Smash will be made in a shaker and will strain out most of the cucumber. I tried making it directly in the glass and there was just too much cucumber pulp, so it will be strained and a little of the pulp will still come into the drink just not an overwhelming amount.
One of the beauties of drinking gin is that this drink can have different flavor profiles depending on what gin you choose to use.
Gin comes in various styles, each with its unique flavor profile. From the traditional London Dry Gin to the modern American/New Western Dry Gin, there's a gin for every palate. For this Cucumber Gin Smash, I recommend opting for a versatile gin that complements the fresh ingredients without overpowering them. And as always I suggest you use your favorite if you have one.
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail Shaker - If you don't have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar or a sturdy glass with a lid can serve as an excellent alternative for shaking up your drink.
- Muddler - If you don't have a muddler I recommend using a wooden spoon.
- Jigger - A cocktail jigger is used for measuring out ounces.
- Hawthorne Strainer Affiliate Link - A hawthorne strainer Affiliate Link works best for straining a smash drink, if you don't have one you can also use a fine mesh strainer Affiliate Link instead.
- Glasses - A collins glass or highball glass work great for this but a rocks/whiskey glass would also work.
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Ingredients
- Cucumber - I personally prefer English Cucumbers because they are less seedy, but either plain cucumbers or English cucumbers will work perfectly fine for this recipe.
- Fresh Basil Leaves - Fresh basil for both muddling and for the garnish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - You will only need a little fresh lemon juice for this drink, but make sure it is fresh from the lemon for the best taste.
- Simple Syrup - Equal parts water and parts sugar, if you need to make some simple syrup check out my Simple Syrup Recipe.
- Gin - I have been using The Botanist Gin for this recipe and really liking it, another good suggestion would be Hendrick's Gin.
- Seltzer or Soda Water - You can use club soda or selzter or really anything that bubbles to add some effervesces.
Instructions
Muddle Cucumber and Basil: Begin by adding cucumber slices and basil leaves to your cocktail shaker. Use the muddler to gently crush them until their juices are released.
Add Liquids and Ice: Next, pour in the lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin into the shaker, followed by a handful of ice. This will chill and dilute the drink and further meld the flavors together.
Shake and Strain: Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for about 10 to 20 seconds. Once sufficiently chilled, strain the cocktail over ice using a hawthorne strainer Affiliate Link, allowing a bit of the smashed cucumber to filter into the drink.
Top Off with Seltzer: Finish off your Cucumber Gin Smash by topping it with seltzer or soda water for that irresistible fizz.
Garnish: For the final touch, garnish your cocktail with a slice of cucumber or a cucumber ribbon and a fresh basil leaf, adding an elegant flair to your creation.
Tips, Tricks and Questions
Creative Variations
Use tonic water instead of club soda or seltzer.
What if I don't have a cocktail shaker or other bar tools?
No worries! You can easily use a mason jar or other glass with a lid as an alternative for shaking up your cocktail, use a wood spoon as a muddler, and use a tablespoon for measuring (2 tablespoons equals 1 ounce).
Can I substitute the gin with another spirit?
While gin is traditionally used in a gin smash, feel free to experiment with other spirits like vodka or white rum for a different flavor profile.
If you like this Gin Cucumber Basil Cocktail you might also like:
Cucumber Gin Smash
A Cucumber Gin Smash incorporates cucumber and basil to make a crisp and invigorating cocktail. It is a refreshing choice for spring and summer gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients
- 4 slices cucumber
- 8 basil leaves
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounces simple syrup
- 2 ounces gin
- top of with seltzer or soda water
Instructions
- Add the cucumbers and basil leaves to a cocktail shaker. Muddle well until the cucumbers have released its juices.
- Add the lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin to the cocktail shaker along with a handful of ice. Close and shake vigorously about 10 to 20 seconds until the drink is well chilled.
- Add ice to a glass and strain the drink over the ice, using a hawthorne strainer works best.
- Top off the drink with seltzer or soda water. Add cucumber and fresh basil leaf as a garnish.
Notes
I like to use English Cucumbers but either plain cucumber or English cucumbers will work.
Because this is a smash I only strain through the hawthorne strainer to allow a little bit of the smashed cucumber to come into the drink, if you wish for a cocktail without any cucumber bits double strain the beverage using a hawthrone strainer and a fine mesh strainer.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1 drinkAmount Per Serving: Calories: 215Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 43mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g
Nutritional data is automated and might not be 100% accurate, final nutritional information will depend on ingredients used and any changes made.
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