This Cucumber Basil Gimlet Cocktail is an ode to my move to San Francisco. I had to Goldilocks my way into the city: my first neighborhood was too preppy, the next one a bit sketchy, but the third one — Hayes Valley — just right.
I moved there in a time of transition, before the fancy park, boutique, and outdoor beer gardens and I quickly became attached to the local businesses like The Orbit Room.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
That bar taught me what a proper drink should be like and that being a regular is worth it. They also taught me how good basil and bourbon taste together. I’ve modified the drink to include Gin instead of bourbon but still love it very much, and I hope you also love this Cucumber Basil Gimlet Cocktail recipe.Â
Recipe Ingredients
To make this twist on a gimlet cocktail you’ll need:Â
- Sugar or Honey
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Cucumbers
- Limes
- Gin
- Ice
How To Make This Recipe
Here’s how to make this Cucumber Basil Gimlet Cocktail recipe:
- Make The Basil Simple Syrup: Combine the sugar and basil leaves and let sit to make the flavored simple syrup.Â
- Make The Cucumber Juice:Â Process the cucumbers, lime, and sugar or honey and strain it to make the cucumber juice.Â
- Make The Cocktail:Â Shake together the gin, basil simple syrup, and cucumber juice for a delicious Cucumber Basil Gimlet cocktail!
What To Serve With This Recipe
This Cucumber Basil Gimlet Cocktail recipe is delicious with small bites like:
- Pancetta Thyme Gougeres (French Cheese Puffs)
- Blue Cheese And Pear Puff Pastry Bites
- Tomato, Olive, and Prosciutto Savory Palmiers
Now, go stock up on all your cooking essentials, then head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
Frequently Asked Questions
A Gimlet is a classic cocktail that typically consists of gin and lime juice. Known for its simplicity and tart, refreshing taste, it's a popular choice in bars and a staple in cocktail culture.
The traditional Gimlet requires just two main ingredients: gin and lime juice. Often, simple syrup or lime cordial is added to balance the tartness. For garnish, a slice or twist of lime is commonly used.
The Gimlet is believed to have originated in the 19th century, possibly as a way for British sailors to prevent scurvy by consuming lime juice. Its simplicity and the popularity of gin helped it become a classic cocktail over time.
Cucumber Basil Gimlet Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Basil Simple Syrup:
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar or honey
- 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
For The Cucumber Juice:
- 4 Persian cucumbers ends trimmed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 ounce freshly-squeezed lime juice divided
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
For The Cucumber Basil Gimlet Cocktail:
- 2 ounces Hendricks Gin
- 3/4 ounce cucumber juice
- 3/4 ounce Basil simple syrup
- Ice
Instructions
- Make The Basil Simple Syrup:Â Whisk together 3/4 cup of water with 2/3 cups of sugar or honey in a small saucepan then place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat, add the 2 cups of basil leaves, and set aside at room temperature to cool, at least 30 minutes. Pour through a fine mesh sieve, discard basil, then cover simple syrup, and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours.Â
- Make The Cucumber Juice: Combine cucumber, 1/4 ounce of the lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey in a mini food processor or blender and purée until smooth. Strain through a mesh sieve, pushing on the back to extract juices (you should have about 1/2 cup).Â
- Make The Cocktail: Reserve one basil leaf for garnish then place remaining three basil leaves in a shaker and bruise a few times with a muddler. Add 3/4 ounce cucumber juice, 3/4 ounce Basil Simple Syrup, remaining 1/4 ounce lime juice and add ice. Shake until chilled then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Smack reserved basil leaf between your hands over the glass (to release essential oils) then float on the cocktail’s surface and serve.
