Cucumber Basil Martini Cocktail Recipe
Cucumber Basil Martini Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:7g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
- 1History
- 2How Cucumber Basil Martini Tastes?
- 3Interesting facts about Cucumber Basil Martini
- 4Ingredients 🍾
- 5Recipe. How to make Cucumber Basil Martini Drink 🍸
- 6Pro Tips
- 7Perfect Pairings
- 8What you could change in Cucumber Basil Martini
- 9Twists
- 10Additional Information
- 11Frequently Asked Questions
- 12More Similar Recipes!
History
The Cucumber Basil Martini is a modern twist on the classic martini. It was created by innovative bartenders looking to introduce fresh and herbaceous flavors into the traditional cocktail. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing and slightly savory cocktail. It's especially popular during the summer months, when cucumbers and basil are in season.
How Cucumber Basil Martini Tastes?
This cocktail has a refreshing, crisp, and slightly savory taste. The cucumber provides a cool and fresh flavor, while the basil adds a hint of peppery sweetness. The gin gives it a strong, juniper-forward base, and the lime juice adds a touch of tartness.
Interesting facts about Cucumber Basil Martini
- The Cucumber Basil Martini is a great way to use fresh produce from your garden.
- This cocktail is often served in a chilled martini glass to keep it cool.
- The Cucumber Basil Martini is sometimes garnished with a cucumber slice or a sprig of basil for an extra touch of freshness.
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 1
- Fresh basil leaves: 5
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
A few good options for Cucumber Basil Martini are:
- Tanqueray Gin
- Roku Japanese Gin
Cucumber
A key player for the refreshing nature of this cocktail. The cucumber's cool, crisp character tones down the gin's botanical edge while adding a spa-like quality. If omitted, you're missing out on that clean, garden-fresh experience. For a twist, try using melon for a sweeter touch.
Emma Rose
Fresh Basil Leaves
Basil brings a peppery, slightly sweet flavor that sings in harmony with cucumber's coolness. Too little and you’ll miss its charm. Too much could overpower the drink. Mint or cilantro could be used for a different herbal note.
Alex Green
Gin
The soul of any martini—choosing a good gin is paramount. Its complex botanicals are the foundation of the drink's personality. A vodka substitution would make for a milder, less herbaceous beverage.
Mary Mitkina
Fresh Lime Juice
It's all about balance—lime's tartness cuts through sweetness and brightness from the cucumber. Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is best for zesty zing. Lemon juice could substitute, offering a different type of citrus kick.
Emma Rose
Simple Syrup
The sweet counterpart to lime's tart—without it, the drink would be too sharp. Simple syrup ties the room together like a good rug. If left out, consider whispering sweet nothings to your drink instead. Honey syrup or agave could be alternatives, but they'll change the story with their own unique flavors.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Cucumber Basil Martini Drink
- Muddle the cucumber and basil leaves in a shaker.
- Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice or a sprig of basil.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Be sure to shake the cocktail well to fully incorporate the flavors.
- Chill your glass beforehand for a cooler cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
This cocktail's herby and fresh profile makes it an excellent match for light salads, particularly those featuring citrus or vinaigrette dressing. Seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp or sushi, would also complement the gin's botanical notes.
Drink Pairings
For those who'd like to accompany their Cucumber Basil Martini with another drink, a light beer such as a Pilsner or a Wheat Ale will not overpower the delicate flavors of the cocktail. Also, a non-alcoholic choice like a sparkling water with a twist of lime can cleanse the palate between sips.
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What you could change in Cucumber Basil Martini
- If you don't have gin, you can use vodka instead.
- You can replace the simple syrup with agave nectar or honey for a different sweetness profile.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Spicy Cucumber Basil Martini
Add a few slices of jalapeño to the muddle for a spicy kick. This would create a pleasant contrast with the cool cucumber and compliment the botanicals in the gin.
- Ingredients: Cucumber, fresh basil leaves, gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, jalapeño slices.
- Recipe: Muddle cucumber, basil, and jalapeño together, then follow the original recipe.
- Result: A cocktail that feels like a dance on the tongue—refreshing, with a spicy rhythm.
Cucumber Basil Martini with Elderflower
Include 0.5 oz of St. Germain (elderflower liqueur) to add a floral sweetness that plays nicely with the botanicals.
- Ingredients: Cucumber, fresh basil leaves, gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, elderflower liqueur.
- Recipe: Add elderflower liqueur along with the other ingredients, then shake and strain into a glass.
- Result: A more fragrant and delicately sweet martini that seems to bloom with every sip.
Cucumber Basil Smash
Opt for muddled lemon instead of lime and add a splash of club soda for a fizzy, less potent take.
- Ingredients: Cucumber, fresh basil leaves, gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda.
- Recipe: Muddle cucumber and basil with lemon, add gin and syrup, shake, strain into a glass, top with club soda.
- Result: A lighter, more sessionable version with an effervescent personality.
In case you forgot basics how to make Cucumber Basil Martini
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Cucumber Basil Martini
What type of gin works best for the Cucumber Basil Martini?
This largely depends on your personal preference. However, a London Dry Gin works quite well due to its high juniper berry flavor which complements the refreshing cucumber and basil.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?
Yes, you can. However, fresh lime juice is preferred due to its superior taste and flavor profile.
What's the best way to muddle the cucumber and basil leaves without overdoing it?
Gently press down on the cucumber and basil with the muddler and give a few gentle twists. You want to extract their flavors without tearing them into tiny pieces.
How can I make this cocktail if I don't own a cocktail shaker?
You can use a mason jar with a lid or any container with a tight-fitting lid as a substitute for a cocktail shaker.
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