There’s something undeniably refreshing about sipping a chilled cucumber basil gimlet on a summer evening. This article takes you through its story, how to make it, and why it deserves a spot in your cocktail rotation. We’ll also break down what makes it different from traditional gimlets and how to pair it with the right food to bring out its crisp, herbal charm. Whether you’re looking to surprise guests with something new or simply unwind with a flavorful sip, this guide keeps it simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.
Cucumber Basil Gimlet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Muddle cucumber slices and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker.
- Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using).
- Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a basil leaf or cucumber ribbon and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use vodka instead of gin for a milder flavor.
- Don’t over-muddle basil to avoid bitterness.
- Always double strain to remove pulp and herbs.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
A Gimlet with a Garden Twist
When Summer Hit, This Cucumber Basil Gimlet Became a Ritual
Back when my kids were running barefoot through the sprinkler and we were squeezing every drop out of summer, I started craving something cool but not too sweet in the evenings. Lemonade wasn’t cutting it, and wine felt too heavy. That’s when I first tried making a cucumber basil gimlet. I had a bunch of basil growing in a window box and a couple of cucumbers from the neighbor’s garden. It felt like the right kind of experiment.
I muddled the basil and cucumber into a shaker with some gin and fresh lime juice—and just like that, the cucumber basil gimlet became my new go-to. It was crisp, refreshing, and surprisingly light. It didn’t need added sugar or a lot of fuss. This simple little cocktail turned into a summer staple, whether we were grilling, hosting neighbors, or just enjoying a moment of quiet after dinner.
Since that first try, this cucumber basil gimlet has made regular appearances on our patio table. It’s perfect for sipping while the chicken’s on the grill or when you need something cool and herbal to pair with meals like French onion soup pizza. You don’t need to be a mixologist to pull it off—it’s all about using fresh ingredients and keeping things simple.
Why Cucumber and Basil Are Magic in a Gimlet
A traditional gimlet is just gin and lime. But when you add cucumber and basil, the whole drink takes on a bright, garden-fresh personality. The cucumber adds a crisp, cooling base while basil brings in an earthy, peppery flavor. It turns the gimlet into something special—like a cocktail you’d order at a fancy bar, but made right in your kitchen.
So what exactly is in a cucumber basil gimlet? Most versions include:
- A few slices of fresh cucumber
- 4–5 basil leaves
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Optional: ½ oz simple syrup (if you like a sweeter finish)
You muddle the cucumber and basil first to release their oils and juices, then shake everything with ice and strain it into a chilled glass. That’s it. The cucumber basil gimlet delivers big flavor with hardly any effort, which is exactly the kind of recipe I like to keep around.
We’ve even made it a part of our garden night tradition—picking herbs, shaking up drinks, and serving them with simple snacks. It pairs beautifully with other herbal cocktails like the Thai basil gimlet if you’re looking to offer variety.
Honestly, once you try a cucumber basil gimlet, it’s hard to go back. It’s refreshing without being overly sharp, and it’s one of the easiest ways to impress guests with almost no effort. Just fresh ingredients and a little shake—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.
How to Make a Cucumber Basil Gimlet at Home
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of the best things about the cucumber basil gimlet is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen or garden. The secret is starting with fresh produce, especially the cucumber and basil. That’s what gives this cocktail its clean, crisp bite and herbal backbone.
Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 oz gin (or vodka if preferred)
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4–5 thin slices of cucumber
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- ½ oz simple syrup (optional, but nice for balance)
- Ice
Start by muddling the cucumber and basil in a cocktail shaker to release the fresh oils. Don’t skip this part—it’s where the cucumber basil gimlet gets its flavor. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, then fill with ice. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, then strain into a chilled coupe or lowball glass. If you want a fancier look, garnish with a cucumber ribbon or a fresh basil leaf.
It’s a cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass—zesty, light, and endlessly sippable.
When to Serve and How to Make It for a Crowd
The cucumber basil gimlet is great for dinner parties, brunches, or even weeknight dinners when you need something cool to unwind. If you’re planning a gathering, you can batch it in advance. Just scale up the ingredients and mix them in a pitcher (without ice or muddling). Let it chill in the fridge, then serve over ice with fresh garnishes.
I love pairing this cocktail with snacks that let the fresh herbs shine. Think cucumber sandwiches, citrusy grilled chicken, or even Alexia sweet potato puffs for a sweet-savory balance. The flavors are subtle enough to pair with most meals, but bold enough to hold their own as a standalone happy hour drink.
Want to experiment? You can swap basil for mint or add a splash of soda water for a spritz-style version. But honestly, the classic cucumber basil gimlet doesn’t need much tweaking—it’s that good.
Variations and Mistakes with the Cucumber Basil Gimlet
Fun Twists That Still Work
Once you’ve got the classic cucumber basil gimlet down, it’s easy to mix things up. Swap the gin for vodka if you prefer something cleaner. Want it a little sweet and floral? Add a splash of elderflower liqueur. You can even muddle pineapple for a tropical note, or toss in a thin slice of jalapeño for heat.
Hosting guests? Try setting up a mini gimlet bar with basil, mint, cucumber, and fruit slices so everyone can build their version. It makes for a relaxed, fun night, especially alongside light bites like cottage cheese bagels.
What to Avoid When Making One
Even though the cucumber basil gimlet is simple, a few small mistakes can throw it off. Don’t use too much basil—it can get bitter fast. Stick to four or five leaves. Always use fresh cucumber (thin slices work best) and shake the drink, don’t stir. That’s how you get the oils and juices blended right.
And lastly, double-strain. No one wants basil bits in their teeth. Clean, smooth, and crisp—that’s how a cucumber basil gimlet should be.
FAQs About the Cucumber Basil Gimlet + Final Thoughts
What is in a cucumber gimlet?
A cucumber gimlet usually includes gin, lime juice, fresh cucumber, and sometimes simple syrup. When you add basil, it becomes a cucumber basil gimlet—a herbal, refreshing twist on the original. Some versions use vodka instead of gin, but the core flavors remain clean and garden-fresh.
What is a gimlet made of?
A traditional gimlet combines gin and lime juice—simple and strong. Over time, variations like the cucumber basil gimlet have become popular for their added freshness and flavor. It’s a modern take that’s just as easy to make, but way more exciting to sip.
What is a gin cucumber cocktail called?
There are several, but the most popular is the cucumber basil gimlet. Other names pop up, but if you’re working with gin, lime, cucumber, and basil, that’s the one. You may also come across riffs like a cucumber Collins or even a basil smash—but they’re slightly different builds.
How do you make a Capri gimlet?
The Capri gimlet often uses gin, basil, and citrus—sometimes with a little elderflower or a splash of soda water. It’s closely related to the cucumber basil gimlet, just with a lighter or floral twist depending on the recipe. Both are garden-inspired and equally sippable.
Conclusion: A Cucumber Basil Gimlet Is Always a Good Idea
The cucumber basil gimlet is one of those cocktails that surprises you with how easy it is to love—and how easy it is to make. With just a few fresh ingredients, it turns an ordinary evening into something special. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect drink to keep in your rotation whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a little win, or just enjoying the quiet after dinner.
If you’re looking for more fresh, budget-friendly ideas like this, you can always find what’s cooking over on Pinterest or see what we’re mixing up lately on Facebook. There’s always something new—and always something simple enough to try tonight.
Want to keep the flavors going? Pair this with one-pot chicken and rice with caramelized lemon for a full meal that’s as relaxed as your drink. The cucumber basil gimlet proves you don’t need a fancy bar cart to drink well—you just need good ingredients and a reason to shake things up.
