Bright and refreshing, this Cucumber Martini is made with fresh cucumber, mint, lemon juice, vodka (or gin), and elderflower liqueur to create a cocktail that is as elegant as it is delicious.

cucumber martini with cucumber slice garnish.

If you’ve never had a cocktail made with a cucumber before, you’re in for a treat! The combination of flavors in this cucumber martini recipe is delectable. It reminds me of something that might be served in a spa. I’m not sure why, but I always relate the flavor and smell of cucumbers to a spa.

I think this cocktail is perfect for spring and summer but of course, it can be enjoyed any time throughout the year. If you’re looking to impress Mom for Mother’s Day or want something different to serve at Easter, this would be a winner!

close up of cucumber martini in coupe glass.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

2 Ingredients

3 How To Make

4 Recipe Notes and Variations

5 More Martini Recipes You May Enjoy

6 Cucumber Martini

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

The flavors are bright and refreshing. This is a delightful spring or summer cocktail. I think it would be lovely served at a bridal or baby shower, fabulous for brunch, or the perfect complement to an afternoon tea.
It’s unique. I don’t think cucumbers are often associated with cocktails. If you’re looking for something different, this is definitely worth considering.
It’s easy to make. Shaking up a delicious martini doesn’t need to be difficult. You’ll be able to shake this up with little time and effort while still yielding a thoughtful and elegant cocktail.

Ingredients

Ready to shake up this cucumber martini? Let’s do it. Here’s what you’ll need:

cucumber – I prefer using English cucumbers, but any fresh cucumber will work.
mint leaves – Mint works beautifully in this recipe, but if you’re not a fan or want something different, basil is lovely too.
vodka or gin – Vodka was my choice for this recipe as I prefer it over gin. However, I tested this with gin and it’s wonderful too.
elderflower liqueur – This is one of my favorite liqueurs. I discovered it about ten years ago and try to use it whenever I can. It has such a unique flavor; I find it to be floral, fruity, and a bit sweet. It definitely adds something special to this cucumber martini.
fresh lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is the only way to go. Trust me.
simple syrup – I like a little sweetness in this cocktail, so I included a splash of simple syrup. Don’t want it sweet? No problem. You can skip the simple syrup or opt for less.

How To Make

This martini recipe is pretty straightforward, but I’ll walk you through it regardless. For your convenience, I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.

Add the chopped cucumber, mint leaves, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Crush the cucumbers and mint using a muddler.

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Top with vodka, elderflower liqueur, and simple syrup.
Shake vigorously.

straining cucumber martini into coupe glass.

Strain into a martini or coupe glass.
Garnish with a thinly sliced cucumber on a cocktail pick.

hand holding cucumber martini in coupe glass.

Recipe Notes and Variations

Try vodka or gin. As I mentioned above, this recipe works with gin or vodka. Use what you like best. For vodka, I reach for Grey Goose or Titos. I prefer Hendricks for gin.

Serve it cold. Most martini-style cocktails are best served cold. Be sure to shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. If using a metal shaker the outside should be cold and frosty.

I highly recommend using fresh ingredients for this recipe. Always avoid bottled lemon juice in cocktails. Since this recipe has very few ingredients, you want them to be of the highest quality.

Use a muddler to make smashing the cucumbers easy. If you don’t have one, have no fear. The back of a wooden spoon will work too.

Looking to create a garnish as I did? You’ll love these silver cocktail picks. They are a common item with many of my cocktail garnishes. I used a mandoline to get a thin slice of cucumber. A vegetable peeler like this one should work too. Just shape the thinly sliced cucumber into a wave pattern and pierce the cocktail pick through the center of it.

More Martini Recipes You May Enjoy

I know you’re going to love this refreshing cucumber martini. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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