A refreshing, herbaceous cocktail that combines the cool, crisp flavors of cucumber with the aromatic punch of fresh basil and the citrusy zing of lemon. This light, garden-inspired drink is perfect for warm-weather sipping and patio lounging.
📋 Cocktail Overview
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🍸 Style: Refreshing / Light
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🌿 Flavor Profile: Herbal, crisp, slightly tart
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🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
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🥃 Glassware: Rocks glass or highball glass
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🧊 Method: Muddled and shaken
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Cocktail shaker
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Muddler or bar spoon
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Fine mesh strainer
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Rocks glass or highball glass
1. Muddle the Cucumber and Basil
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In a cocktail shaker, add:
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4–5 cucumber slices
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6–8 basil leaves
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½ oz simple syrup
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Gently muddle the ingredients to release the cucumber juice and basil oils. Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients
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Add:
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2 oz gin
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¾ oz lemon juice
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Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake Vigorously
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Shake for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled and the flavors are well-integrated.
4. Strain & Serve
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Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with ice to remove pulp and herb bits.
5. Garnish & Finish
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Garnish with a cucumber ribbon wrapped around the inside of the glass or a fresh basil sprig slapped lightly to release its aroma.
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Vodka Version: Swap gin for vodka for a cleaner, less botanical profile.
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Sparkling Smash: Top with soda water for a lighter, spritz-style cocktail.
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Spicy Kick: Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño with the cucumber for a spicy twist.
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Berry Smash: Add 2–3 fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity variation.
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Herbal Infusion: Swap basil for mint or rosemary for a different herbal note.
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Appetizers: Caprese skewers, cucumber gazpacho, or bruschetta
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Snacks: Marinated olives, feta-stuffed peppers, or spiced nuts
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Dessert: Lemon sorbet, basil panna cotta, or white chocolate mousse
Ingredients
Directions
-
Cocktail shaker
-
Muddler or bar spoon
-
Jigger or measuring tool
-
Fine mesh strainer
-
Rocks glass or highball glass
1. Muddle the Cucumber and Basil
-
In a cocktail shaker, add:
-
4–5 cucumber slices
-
6–8 basil leaves
-
½ oz simple syrup
-
-
Gently muddle the ingredients to release the cucumber juice and basil oils. Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients
-
Add:
-
2 oz gin
-
¾ oz lemon juice
-
-
Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake Vigorously
-
Shake for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled and the flavors are well-integrated.
4. Strain & Serve
-
Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with ice to remove pulp and herb bits.
5. Garnish & Finish
-
Garnish with a cucumber ribbon wrapped around the inside of the glass or a fresh basil sprig slapped lightly to release its aroma.
-
Vodka Version: Swap gin for vodka for a cleaner, less botanical profile.
-
Sparkling Smash: Top with soda water for a lighter, spritz-style cocktail.
-
Spicy Kick: Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño with the cucumber for a spicy twist.
-
Berry Smash: Add 2–3 fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity variation.
-
Herbal Infusion: Swap basil for mint or rosemary for a different herbal note.
-
Appetizers: Caprese skewers, cucumber gazpacho, or bruschetta
-
Snacks: Marinated olives, feta-stuffed peppers, or spiced nuts
-
Dessert: Lemon sorbet, basil panna cotta, or white chocolate mousse