Keep cool this summer with this refreshing Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe!
A vodka gimlet was my dad’s favorite cocktail.
Truth be told, he was definitely more of a beer guy, but when he did have a cocktail, I remember him ordering a vodka gimlet. (Think of a gimlet as a martini’s slightly sweeter cousin.)
Seems fancy, doesn't it? Well, my dad was definitely NOT fancy, so trust me when I say that looks can be deceiving.
This Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe is my version of dad’s go-to cocktail updated with vodka and the flavors of cucumber, basil and fresh lime juice.
What is a gimlet cocktail?
Not to be confused with a similar sounding word (giblet - think turkey and Thanksgiving - definitely not the direction we’re going today), a gimlet is a simple cocktail usually made with gin and something called Rose’s Lime Juice.
Note: Never heard of Rose’s Lime Juice? It’s a sweetened, preserved lime juice that you will often find next to the grenadine in the liquor store. It has an almost electric green color. You can’t miss it - literally.
History mentions that gimlet cocktails originated with British sailors in the 19th century. The ship doctor encouraged his shipmates to add this preserved lime juice to their gin because it was thought to prevent scurvy.
This “medicine” became more socially popular in the 1950’s after a fiction author named Raymond Chandler made it the drink of choice for the detective in his novels.
That must have been where my dad picked it up. Raymond Chandler made gimlets "en vogue" in the same way that James Bond helped martinis skyrocket in popularity.
Ingredients
No offense to traditional gimlet lovers, but I'm not a fan of Rose's Lime Juice. So this Cucumber Basil Vodka Gimlet swaps vodka for the gin and incorporates fresh ingredients:
- Simple Syrup
- Cucumber
- Vodka
- Basil
- Lime juice
Instructions
If you've ever made a mojito, then you're well on your way to making this vodka cocktail because both use a technique called muddling.
Never muddled before? Think of it like a mortar and pestle where you mash the ingredients together to release their flavors.
Follow these simple steps to make your own vodka gimlet:
- Grab a large mason jar or wide-mouthed measuring cup. You need something with a bit of space to muddle the ingredients.
- Place the simple syrup, cucumber and fresh basil in the bottom of the jar. Use a muddler to crush the cucumber and basil into the syrup. Your goal is to release as much flavor from the cucumber and basil as possible so don't be shy here. Get after it.
- Pour in the lime juice and give it a quick stir.
- Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add vodka to shaker and shake vigorously.
- Pour into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with additional cucumber wedges and/or basil leaves, if desired.
Not a vodka fan? Then feel free to use gin instead. The flavor will be closer to a traditional gimlet and just as delicious as a vodka version.
Batch cocktails
The recipe can be easily multiplied to make enough for a crowd. Plus it keeps well in the fridge if made in advance - a bonus when entertaining.
Simply set out a pitcher filled with the cocktail along with glasses and drink garnishes like extra cucumber and basil and let guests serve themselves.
I like to keep a long-handled stirring spoon in the pitcher so guests can quickly re-stir the cocktail before pouring.
Cool as a cucumber is definitely a fitting description for this Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe. It’s one I’ll be making on repeat to beat the heat all summer long.
Thanks for the inspiration, Dad.
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More Gimlet Recipes
- Ginger Pear Gimlet - Boulder Locavore
- Cranberry Gimlet - Garnish with Lemon®
- Pomegranate Vodka Gimlet - Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
Or check out all of our other vodka cocktails HERE!
Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 thick slices cucumber cut into chunks
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- 2 ½ ounces vodka
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Place cucumber in a mason jar or cocktail shaker. Muddle well. Add basil and gently muddle again.
- Add ice, vodka, simple syrup and lime juice to the jar, cover and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds.
- Strain gimlet into a chilled coupe glass or lowball glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh basil and cucumber, if desired.
Notes
- Not a vodka fan? Use gin instead. Or make it non-alcoholic by swapping the vodka for sparkling water and adjusting the simple syrup to taste.
- Make your own simple syrup at home! It's easy and much cheaper than buying it at the store.
- Use the toothed end of a muddler to muddle the cucumber and the flat or rounded end to gently muddle the basil.
- Want to try a different herb? Mint is a tasty substitute for the basil.
- Serve a crowd by multiplying the ingredients by the number of guests. Make ahead up to 8 hour ahead of time and keep it in a pitcher in the fridge until party time. Stir well before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Straight up or on the rocks, you can’t go wrong with this refreshing Cucumber Vodka Gimlet recipe. This fresh flavors in this vodka cocktail make it the perfect thirst-quencher for hot summer days!
I added a tiny amount of Thai Chili Pepper to this to give it a kick. Delicious.
I would like this recipe for mixing in a large gallon container.
Thank you
Hi Kim, you can easily multiply the recipe to get whatever number of servings you need. I hope your guests love it!