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 perdicament 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.

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.

What does Indian Tonic Water taste like?

Indian tonic water is slightly more bitter than regular tonic water. This distinct bitterness pairs well with the freshness of the cucumber balancing out the flavors.

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

Equipment needed for a Cucumber Gin and Tonic

Highball Glass
Ice
Stir
Paring Knife

How to make a Cucumber Gin and Tonic

Ingredients

3-4 Cucumber Slices
1 Sprig of Mint plus Extra for Garnish
2 ounces Gin or Vodka
6 Ounces Indian Tonic Water (alternatively regular Tonic Water is fine)
2 Lime Wedges

Instructions

In a highball glass, mash-up cucumber slices and mint with a muddler for about 20-30 seconds until they’re nicely broken up.
Add gin and squeeze in the juice from the lime wedges.
Pour Indian tonic water into the glass and give it a good stir.
Add plenty of ice to fill up the glass almost to the top and give it another quick stir.
Finally, garnish with fresh mint, cucumber spears, or an extra lime slice.

Cucumber Mint Gin and Tonic

Yield: 1 Cocktail

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Made with fresh cucumbers, aromatic mint, premium gin, and indian tonic water this drink is a must-try for any gin lover.

Ingredients

3-4 Cucumber Slices
1 Sprig of Mint plus Extra for Garnish
3 Ounces Gin (Bluecoat Preferred)
1 Cup Indian Tonic Water
2 Lime Wedges

Instructions

Add cucumber slices and mint to a highball glass, and muddle vigorously for 20-30 seconds until all large pieces are broken.
Add spirit (gin and vodka), then add the juice from first lime wedge.
Pour Indian tonic water over top, then add the juice from the second lime wedge.
Add ice and stir until well mixed.
Garnish with fresh mint.

Notes

Must be 21+ to drink.