The addition of cucumber to this classic gimlet makes for a festive and fun addition to any New Year’s Eve bar.
This recipe is from The 12 Bottle Bar. Authors David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson have this to say:
Cucumber, basil, and lime have a natural affinity for one another, so it’s not surprising that they show up again and again in cocktails. Some people might choose to label this drink a “martini,” but purists that we are, we opted for “gimlet” instead, because of the lime juice and simple syrup. However you slice the cucumber, this is as crisp and clean a gulp of summer as you will ever find.
It’s a perfect example of how vodka works as a blank canvas to deliver potency, but not compete with the drink’s key flavors. Our version muddles cucumber with the basil, but you could also use Cucumber-Infused Vodka for an even deeper cuke crunch.
Enjoy!
Cucumber Gimlet from The 12 Bottle Bar
Makes 1 drink
WHAT YOU NEED
- 8 to 10 fresh basil leaves, depending on size, plus 1 for garnish
- 2-inch piece of English cucumber, coarsely chopped
- ½ ounce strained, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 ounces vodka or Cucumber-Infused Vodka
- ½ to ¾ ounce simple syrup, depending on desired sweetness
WHAT TO DO
- Fill a mixing glass halfway with crushed ice, place the 8 to 10 basil leaves and the cucumber in the glass, and muddle until the ice starts taking on a greenish hue, about 15 seconds.
- Add the vodka and simple syrup to the glass, fill the glass three-quarters full with crushed ice, cover with the Boston shaker tin, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled, 15 seconds.
- Strain into a martini glass and garnish with the remaining basil leaf.
Notes:
Glass: Martini | Ice: Crushed
To make your own simple syrup, use 1:1 ratio of sugar and water, heating over a very low temperature on the stove until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature before using.
The 12 Bottle Bar begins with one irresistible idea–a complete home bar of just 12 key bottles–and shows you how to make more than 200 classic and unique mixed drinks, including sours, slings, toddies, and highballs, plus the perfect Martini, the perfect Manhattan, and the perfect Mint Julep.
Authors David Solmonson and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson are the husband-and-wife publishers of the popular blog 12bottlebar.com. Follow their exploits as they develop new cocktail recipes.
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