Cucumber Martini
The gin is the primary flavor in this cooling cucumber martini, so be sure to pick your favorite! Elderflower liqueur adds a floral note, while lime and simple syrup give this refreshing cocktail a balance of sweet and sour flavors.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup sliced peeled cucumber, plus thin slices for garnish
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (see Tip) or honey
- 2 ½ ounces dry gin (such as Hendrick’s)
- ½ ounce elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain)
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions:
- Add cucumber and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker; muddle with a muddler or back of a wooden spoon until broken up and some liquid has released. Add gin, elderflower liqueur and lime juice; fill the shaker with ice. Shake until the shaker is thoroughly frosted over, about 30 seconds.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a chilled martini glass. Gently drop in cucumber slices for garnish, if desired.
Tips:
To make simple syrup, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool completely before using or refrigerating in an airtight container. Refrigerate simple syrup for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 6 months.
