This zesty Cucumber Gimlet recipe is a refreshing big batch cocktail made with puréed cucumber and limes, gin, and blackberry-cucumber seltzer. The recipe serves 8 (or a few very thirsty friends!), but can be easily scaled up for larger crowds.
JUMP TO RECIPEThis cool and refreshing cucumber gimlet recipe is the perfect spring or summer cocktail. Made with fresh cucumbers, lime, gin, and simple syrup- this cocktail is bright, crisp, and super easy to make!
Unlike a traditional single serving gimlet, this big batch version is blended and served by the pitcher, making it perfect for parties, brunches, or backyard BBQs.
Table of Contents
- What is a Gimlet?
- Ingredient Notes
- Pro Tips
- How to Make a Cucumber Gimlet for a Crowd
- Preparing for a crowd
- Variations
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- More easy cocktail recipes
What is a Gimlet?
A gimlet is a classic cocktail, made with gin and lime juice. Some early versions of the gimlet used sweet lime cordial, but more modern recipes combine gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Adding fresh cucumber gives a refreshing twist to the cocktail that makes the drink light and summery.
Ingredient Notes
Below is a breakdown of everything you'll need to make these refreshing Cucumber Gimlets.
Gin. Dry gin is the best option for making a gimlet. Hendrick’s Gin, The Botanist Gin, and Bombay Sapphire are popular options, as their botanical flavors pair well with cucumber.
Cucumber. Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and a lighter flavor, and don’t require peeling before blending.
Lime and lemon. Fresh lime is essential for the bright citrus flavor in a gimlet. For this recipe, you'll blend the limes up with the the cucumbers whole to get flavor from both the juice and zest, and squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon to balance the acidity.
Simple Syrup. A touch of sweetness from the simple syrup balances the tart lime juice and gives the cocktail its classic gimlet sweet and tart flavor.
Seltzer water. Using Blackberry-cucumber seltzer adds effervescent bubbles to the cocktail, as well as and extra flavor.
Pro Tips
| Choose the right cucumbers | Use seedless cucumbers for the best flavor. |
| Blending | Be sure to blend until the cucumber is completely smooth before straining, to extract all the flavor. |
| Limes | Use fresh limes, and blend both the pulp and the skin to get a bold kick of flavor. |
| Chill Out | Once blended and strained, chill the mixture for a few hours or up to a day before serving for a super refreshing cocktail. The blended mixture can be prepared up to 2 days ahead, then shaken to redistribute before serving. |
How to Make a Cucumber Gimlet for a Crowd
Below is a step-by-step visual guide to making the perfect crowd pleasing cucumber gimlet, every time!
Preparing for a crowd
This recipe serves 8, but you can easy double (or triple, or quadruple- no judgement!) as long as you've got a large enough vessel to serve it from.
You could divide it among a few pitchers or carafes, or (my personal favorite) use a large drink dispenser and let guests serve themselves (my go-to for my annual Ladies' Brunch).
For garnishes, I love some thinly sliced cucumber and lime for a simple and pretty presentation.
Variations
| Vodka Cucumber Gimlet | Use vodka in place of botanical gin for a cleaner, more neutral-flavored cocktail. |
| Mint Cucumber Gimlet | Add a handful of fresh mint leaves when blending for a bright herbal variation. |
| Spicy Cucumber Gimlet | Muddle a slice of jalapeño in your glass before serving for a spicy twist. |
Cucumber Gimlet Recipe
Equipment
- blender
- fine mesh sieve or strainer
- large pitcher
Ingredients
- 4 cups roughly chopped Persian cucumber*
- 2 limes, quartered
- the juice of 1 lemon
- 6 oz simple syrup*
- 8 oz gin
- 36 oz (4 ½ cups) blackberry-cucumber flavored seltzer water*
Instructions
- Add the roughly chopped cucumber, quartered limes, lemon juice, simple syrup and gin to a blender. Blend until smooth and liquified. 2. Carefully strain the mixture into a large pitcher through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the pulp with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to make sure you get as much of the liquid as possible. Discard pulp. 3. Pour blackberry-cucumber seltzer into the pitcher with the liquid, and stir to combine. (or serve the gin mixture in a small pitcher, and allow guests to top with cold seltzer). 4. Garnish pitcher and glasses with lime and cucumber slices, and serve over ice. Makes eight 8 oz servings poured over ice.
Notes
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use vodka instead of gin?
Sure can! Vodka works well and creates a lighter, less botanical cucumber cocktail. You could also up the cucumber flavor and use cucumber flavored vodka!
Can I make cucumber gimlets ahead of time?
Yes you can. You can blend the mixture ahead (up to 2 days ahead) and add the seltzer just before serving.
What type of cucumber works best for these gimlets?
I prefer to work with Persian or English cucumbers, since they have fewer seeds and thinner skins that can be blended to create the vibrant green color for the cocktails.
Can I make this cocktail alcohol free?
To make this drink an alcohol free mocktail, replace the gin with extra seltzer water, or alcohol-free spirits.
More easy cocktail recipes
Make my light and refreshing Cucumber Melon Wine Spritzers!
Try my tart Dirty Dill Pickle Martinis!
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Carmen says
Hi, great recipe! When you say “limes, quartered”, do you mean peeled limes?
Sharon Farnell says
Hi Carmen! You just cut the lime into 4 equal pieces, peels intact, and throw them into the blender. No need to peel 🙂 If you make these, please let me know what you think!