A gimlet is gin, lime, and simple syrup. That’s the whole drink. This one adds fresh cucumber juice and a splash of rose water, and it tips from bar-classic into something that feels like the best version of summer in a glass. Chill your coupe. Double-strain so the cucumber doesn’t cloud it. Drink it while it’s cold.
Half an ounce sounds like a small amount. It is the right amount. More than that and the cocktail tastes like perfume. At half an ounce, the rose is a whisper behind the cucumber and lime, floral and unexpected.
Tips for Making Cucumber Rose Gimlets
Muddle the cucumber first
Three slices in the bottom of the shaker. Press firmly with a muddler to release the juice and oils. Do not pulverise. You want juice, not a paste.
Muddled cucumber gives a fresh, green flavour that cucumber-infused gin alone cannot match.
Use rosewater carefully
Half an ounce. Measure it. Rosewater varies in concentration between brands. Some are strong and some are mild. Taste it before adding and adjust.
If your rosewater is very concentrated, start with a quarter ounce and add more to taste.
Cucumber Rose Gimlet
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
A refreshing summer cocktail combining the coolness of cucumber with the floral notes of rosewater and the botanical essence of gin.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce rosewater
- 3 slices cucumber
Instructions
- Muddle the cucumber slices in a shaker.
- Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and rosewater to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Notes
This cocktail is easily scalable – you can even make it a pitcher at a time for a crowd!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find rosewater?
Middle Eastern grocery stores, health food stores, or the international aisle of a well-stocked grocery store. Look for food-grade rosewater without added ingredients.
Can I make this as a pitcher?
Yes. Scale up proportionally. Muddle the cucumber in the pitcher, add all ingredients, stir with ice, and strain into glasses.
Can I skip the rosewater?
You can, but then it is just a cucumber gimlet. The rosewater is what makes this recipe distinctive. A few drops of elderflower liqueur is an alternative floral note.
