Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet

A traditional gimlet is simple, which is part of its appeal. Gin, lime juice and simple syrup combine for a refreshing classic. Because of its simplicity, using quality ingredients is key to executing the perfect cocktail. Our additions of elderflower liqueur and cucumber leaves some wiggle room if your budget doesn’t allow for the best of the best.

The Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet How To

Directions:

1. Muddle cucumber slices in a shaker

2. Add all remaining ingredients and ice to the shaker

3. Shake for 10 to 20 seconds

4. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass

5. Garnish with sliced cucumber or make it extra with a cucumber ribbon skewer

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Gin 

• 1/2 oz Elderflower Liquor 

• 1 oz Lime juice 

• 2” of cucumber cut into 2-3 slices

• Additional slice or ribbon of cucumber for garnish

Some tips and tricks:

• Muddle the cucumber lightly. All you want to do is release the juices, not beat it to a pulp.

• Chill your glasses prior to mixing up the cocktails. You’ll find this in our typical tips for all coupe and martini glasses. It’s so easy and adds that something extra.

• If you don’t have fresh limes, store bought lime juice will do in a pinch. But we strongly recommend fresh squeezed.

• We love a more mild, less juniper heavy gin for this cocktail. Try Esme, or Hendricks. However, this is also a great cocktail to use classic juniper forward gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater if that is your preference or you are trying to acquire that taste.

• For a cucumber ribbon garnish use a veggie peeler to cut 4” strips from the cucumber. then folder back and forth over a tooth pick.

To make for ahead for a gathering (makes about 6):

• 2 cups Gin 

• 1/2 cup Elderflower Liqueur, 

• 1 cups lime juice 

• 1 cucumber, peeled and rough chopped

1. Add cucumber and 1/2 cup of lime juice to a blender. 

2. Blend for 20-30 seconds until pureed.

3. Strain into a pitcher

4. Then to the pitcher add Gin, St. Germain and remaining lime juice. Chill until ready to serve.

5. When ready to drink, add 4oz (½ cup) of the mixture per serving to a shake with ice.

6. Shake for 10-20 seconds.

7. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.