It’s your turn to host cocktail night. Are you ready?
If you’re looking for help planning the drink menu, we’ve got you covered! You can relax and know this part of the party planning is covered so you can focus on other important things.
Read on to learn how to make an amazing Cucumber Martini. We’ll share a few variations with you, plus some yummy desserts to serve alongside them.
Why Serve a Cucumber Martini?
This cucumber-based drink brings a refreshing, crisp, and unforgettable flavor. With the added floral taste from the vermouth and the lime to balance the sharp punch of vodka, you can’t go wrong!
This single-serving martini recipe can easily be increased to make enough for a party. Or, save a few dollars and skip going to the bar this weekend with this foolproof recipe for you and your date!
Be Sure to Stock the Right Equipment
Are you ready to begin making your Cucumber Martini?
First of all, this drink is simple enough that it doesn’t require you to have a bunch of equipment to bring it to life.
If you’ve got a cocktail shaker on hand, it will make mixing the drink easier. However, if you don’t own one, grab a jar with a lid that screws on tightly. This way, you won’t make a mess when it comes time to shake the drink!
You’ll also need a wooden masher to muddle your cucumbers. Any wooden spoon or kitchen tool will work. Aim to find a wooden instrument so you can muddle the cucumber gently.
Finally, you’ll need a fine mesh strainer to catch stray pieces of lime, basil leaf, and cucumber that may blend with the drink as it is shaken.
Grab Your Ingredients
The great part about the Cucumber Martini is that you can grow the main ingredients in your own backyard! If you’re a gardener, you’ll want to use your basic variety of cucumbers and fresh basil right from your garden.
If you aren’t a gardener, grab a cucumber, fresh basil, and several limes at the farmers’ market or grocery store. On the way home, swing by the local spirits store and pick up your favorite vodka and dry white vermouth brands.
Note: The type of cucumber isn’t important, but it may change the flavor slightly. Have fun and experiment a little by making this drink using several variations of cucumbers!
That’s it! You’re now set to make your own Cucumber Martini.
How to Make Your Cucumber Martini
Begin by peeling and deseeding two slices of cucumber. Place them in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and gently muddle.
To muddle, use a wooden masher or the end of a wooden spoon and lightly mash the cucumber. This will release the flavors to mix with the alcohol easier.
Tip: Don’t mash too rigorously, or the cucumber will become mushy.
Add ice, 2 ounces of vodka (approximately 4 tablespoons), 0.5 ounces of dry white vermouth (approximately 1 tablespoon), and 0.5 ounces of lime juice to the cocktail shaker. Gently rip two fresh basil leaves and add them to the cocktail shaker.
Top the shaker with the lid and vigorously shake for 30 seconds.
Pour the cocktail straight into the martini glass using a finely woven mesh strainer. Straining will help catch any pieces of lime and basil, so the drink comes out clear.
Garnish the side of the glass with cucumber slices and a sprig of fresh basil or mint.
Mix Up Your Drink
There are always ways to mix up your cocktail. Check out these suggestions to add a little fun the next time you stay in for cocktail night!
Add Some Bite
Replace the fresh basil leaves with fresh mint leaves. Add the mint to the shaker when mixing and garnish the drink. This variation is guaranteed to leave you refreshed and satisfied!
Make It Sweet
Add some sweetener to your Cucumber Martini to make this drink a crowd-pleaser! Simply add 0.5 ounces of simple syrup to the shaker before mixing to add just a touch of sweetness.
Change Up the Alcohol
In addition to the vodka and dry white vermouth, add 0.5 ounces of St. Germaine to the shaker to add an extra kick to your cocktail!
Perfect Desserts to go With Your Cucumber Martini
Are you a fan of baklava? Our Absolutely Fabulous Apple Pie is inspired by the traditional baklava recipe. This yummy dessert has layers of flaky phyllo dough and a mixture of nuts, spiced sugar, and honey.
These light Lavender Cupcakes will be the talk of the party—or a quiet dinner for two! Delight your sweet tooth and try these flavorful cupcakes along with your Cucumber Martini.
Satisfy the pie lover in you with our Luscious Lemon Chess Pie with Sweet Pomegranate Glaze! This recipe is the perfect dessert to go along with your Cucumber Martini.
Looking for a quick and easy dessert? Try these Blondie Brownies! Better yet, warm them in the microwave and add a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum!
Time to Make a Cucumber Martini!
Now that you’ve got the steps to make your own Cucumber Martini, who’s to stop you from hosting cocktail night at your house? Impress your guests with this fantastic drink, along with a few variations.
Want to know more about cucumbers? Visit the Cucumbers page on our website, where you’ll find blog posts about different varieties, plus helpful growing and care guides for cucumber gardening.
Cucumber Martini
Serve up an elegant cocktail with this cucumber martini flavored with a hint of basil.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz dry white vermouth
- 1 lime for 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
- 2 slices of cucumber plus more for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Peel and de-seed 2 slices of cucumber.
- Place in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and gently muddle.
- To muddle, use a wooden masher or end of a wooden spoon and lightly mash the cucumber. This will release the flavors so it mixes with the alcohol easier. Don't mash too rigorously or the cucumber will become mushy.
- Slice the limes and squeeze the lime juice in a small bowl.
- Add ice, 2 ounces vodka (approximately 4 tablespoons), 0.5 ounce dry white vermouth (approximately 1 tablespoon), and 0.5 ounce of lime juice in the cocktail shaker.
- Gently rip 2 basil leaves and add to the cocktail shaker.
- Lid the shaker and vigorously shake for 30 seconds.
- Using a finely woven mesh strainer, pour the cocktail straight into the martini glass.
- Garnish the side of the glass with cucumber slices, and a sprig of fresh basil or mint.
