Cucumber Gin and Tonic with Mint

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This Cucumber Gin and Tonic recipe is the cordial companion you need for the summer ahead! Made with fresh cucumbers, aromatic mint, premium gin, and Indian tonic, this drink is a must-try for any gin lover or enthusiast. Disclaimer: Must be 21+ to make and consume.

Where did the Gin and Tonic originate?

Picture this: it’s the 1700s, and the British East India Company is in India, fighting malaria. Their secret weapon: quinine, a medicine made from the bark of the cinchona tree. Guess, what? It tasted horrendously bitter, making it hard for soldiers to swallow.

This unfortunate predicament led to an idea. They mixed quinine with water and sugar, giving birth to tonic water. Yet, something was still missing. That’s when gin stepped in to level-up this beverage turning this medicinal concoction into the beloved cocktail we cherish today—the gin and tonic!

Health Benefits

Not only is this cocktail delicious, but it also comes with a number of health benefits. Cucumbers are a great source of hydration and can help keep you feeling full. They’re also low in calories, making them a great option for those looking to lose weight. Mint is known for its digestive properties and can help alleviate stomach discomfort. Gin is also lower in calories than other alcohols and contains antioxidants that can help boost your immune system.

Variations

This Cucumber Gin and Tonic is absolutely delicious on its own. If you would like to get creative there are a number of variations you can try to mix things up.

Swap out the cucumber for watermelon, pineapple, blackberries, or honeydew.
Use elderflower tonic for a hint of floral flavor or Mediterranean tonic for a more herbaceous flavor.
Use club soda instead of tonic.
Experiment with different types of gin to find your favorite flavor profile.

Tips for Serving to Guests

If you’re planning on serving this cocktail to guests at a dinner party or other gathering, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Make a large batch of the cocktail in a pitcher to save time. Treat each liquid ounce as 1 part to make measurements easy.
Have extra garnishes on hand, such as extra cucumber slices, mint leaves, lime wedges, and other fruits like strawberries, blackberries, or pineapples for guests to customize their drink.

Equipment needed for a Cucumber Gin and Tonic

Highball Glass: A 10 ounce to 12 ounce highball glass is tall, and narrow. The shape helps keep the tonic water fizzy, and it also allows more room for ice which keeps the drink colder for longer.
Muddler: A cocktail muddler helps break up ingredients like fruit and helps smash and release the oil in herbs. If you do not have a muddler, you can use the end of a wooden spoon as a substitute.
Cocktail Spoon: To stir the complete cocktail.

Key Ingredients for an Easy Cucumber Gin and Tonic with Mint

Cucumber: The main ingredient in this cocktail. Cucumbers are a crisp and cool fruit with a slightly earthy flavor.
Mint: With its cooling and sometimes menthol quality, mint pairs well with the cucumber making it even more refreshing (especially in warmer months).
Indian Tonic: Indian tonic water is slightly more bitter than a regular tonic water. This distinct bitterness pairs well with the freshness of the cucumber balancing out the flavors. It can be substituted for regular tonic if you’re unable to find it.

How to make a Cucumber Gin and Tonic with Mint

Muddle the cucumber and mint. In a 10-ounce or 12-ounce highball glass, vigorously muddle cucumber slices and mint with a muddler (or the end of a wooden spoon) for 20-30 seconds until large pieces are broken.
Add ice and spirit. Fill the glass halfway with ice then add gin followed by the juice of the 1st lime wedge.
Pour in tonic water slowly. Indian tonic water over top and add juice from the second lime wedge.
Stir and garnish. Stir ingredients slowly with a cocktail spoon for about 15 seconds. Garnish with fresh mint, long cucumber slices, or additional lime
Enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Yes! Simply omit the gin and add extra tonic water or club soda for a delicious non-alcoholic version. This will change the flavor profile, so add a citrus element like lemon, lime or grapefruit to deepen the flavor.

Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of gin?

Absolutely! Vodka or white rum would also work well in this recipe. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile.

Can I make this drink in advance?

While it’s best to muddle the cucumber and mint just before serving, you can prepare the rest of the cocktail in advance and simply add the muddled ingredients and add before serving. This will decrease the intensity of the cucumber and mint flavors.

What is the best type of gin to use for this recipe?

There are so many variations of Gin, so it is ultimately a personal preference. If you aren’t familiar with gin, a London Dry gin is standard to use because it is well-balanced and juniper-forward in flavor. My favorite is Blucoat, which has stronger floral notes and helps this cocktail to really shine