Easy Cucumber Gin and Tonic Cocktail

An Easy Cucumber Gin Cocktail Recipe

Nothing hits the spot like a refreshing classic Gin and Tonic. It’s the perfect drink all year round and the botanical flavors from this cocktail are just so bright and fresh. This tonic cocktail only requires a few simple ingredients since it’s definitely a lighter cocktail! This Gin and Tonic recipe can also be elevated by simply adding a few extra ingredients and garnishes. You can find those tips below the full recipe.

The key ingredient for this gin tonic recipe is cucumbers! I always enjoy the natural flavors of cucumbers, whether it be in salads or freshening detox water.

Suggested Cocktail: Martini Tonic

Why you’ll love this Cucumber Gin Tonic

• Easy! I don’t really love complicated cocktail recipes that require a long list of ingredients. This is why a classic cocktail like a G&T is always a favourite.
• Fresh Ingredients. I love cocktails that use fresh ingredients, just like this cocktail we get to enjoy refreshing cucumber flavors and as well some fresh lime juice.
• Use your favourite gin! Since this is a simple cocktail focused on fresh ingredients, we want to use our favourite brand of gin. One of the best things about gin is that many of them have different notes and different botanicals. So they really range in flavour. Use your favourite!

Ingredients for this Cucumber Gin Tonic

• 2 oz of Gin
• 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice
• cucumber slices
• 4 oz of tonic water or soda water
• lime wedge, for garnish
• a few ice cubes

How to prepare a Cucumber Gin Tonic

1. In a highball glass or your favourite cocktail glass, add a handful of ice.
2. Pour gin, soda or tonic water and fresh lime juice.
3. Slowly stir to get the ingredients well combined without losing too much fizz.
4. Garnish with one or two slices of cucumber and a lime wedge.

Cucumber Gin and Tonic Cocktail Tips

• For extra cucumber flavors. Add a slice of cucumber to the bottom of a collins glass or highball glass before adding the ice and other liquids. Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently press on the cucumber strips to release some of the cucumber juice.
• Chill your cocktail glass. I love my G&T extra cold, so I like to allow my glass to chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before making this easy drink recipe.
• Customize it! This cocktail can be infused with extra flavors by simply adding in a sprig of mint or a handful of mint leaves, a citrus peel (lemon or orange) and juniper berries also make such an elegant garnish. You can also muddle the mint sprig a little too along with the cucumber!
• Add some sweetness. A splash of simple syrup is perfect in this cocktail if you are looking for a little sweetness. 1/2 oz should do the trick.

How to cut cucumber for Gin and Tonic

The easiest way to get perfect cucumber strips is to use a mandolin. You’ll get the perfect thin strips every time. If you don’t have access to one, you can also use a vegetable peeler! Slice with a knife in a pinch! Just cut your cucumber in half lengthwise, and with a sharp knife try to cut it as thinly as possible.

Best Gin for a Gin Tonic

You’ll want to choose gins that have strong botanical notes since this recipe really plays off those notes. Peddler’s Gin (which is what I used for my cocktail), Bombay Sapphire Gin, or Hendrick’s Gin are my go-to’s usually when it comes to Gin for cocktail making. I also love to shop small batch gins from local distilleries.

What to serve with Gin and Tonics

When serving this cocktail, I love to pair it will small fresh bites to compliment the notes of the cocktail.

My favourites include…

• Orange, Grilled Halloumi and Kale Salad
• Honey, Basil & Tomato Bruschetta on Ricotta
• Lemon Pepper Hummus
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges on Whipped Feta