Cucumber Martini

Cool and refreshing, this cucumber martini is a must-try for summer. The summery cocktail is bright and elegant, but you only need 3 ingredients to make it!

about this cucumber martini

Cucumber is the flavor of the summer. I never even thought to add cucumber to my cocktails until a friend turned me onto a cucumber martini many years ago. Since then, the refreshing ingredient is always on my mind for making the best summer drinks.

I love how fresh and clean this cucumber martini is. Even though it’s a vodka martini and by nature a strong drink, it doesn’t taste so intensely harsh like some martinis I’ve had in the past.

The blend of crisp cucumber juice with the citrusy lime juice really mellows out the vodka. It leaves you with that little zing from the vodka at the very end of each sip. You immediately exclaim “ahhh” after every sip. So much better than a classic martini in my opinion.

Really, it’s impossible to avoid. Pair it with summery bites for a refreshing end to any hot day.

Note: This is an updated version of the original published on August 15, 2014. The recipe has been updated and the post now contains more information to make this cocktail the best it can be!

ingredients

vodka. Vodka is the star of the show here, so pick a nice one that is in your price range. You can go top end with Grey Goose or Absolut Elyx. You can also use Tito’s Handmade Vodka or Absolut.

lime. Fresh lime juice is key for this cocktail! You’ll need half of a lime for each cocktail. Lemon juice is another option, if that’s what you have on hand!

cucumber. We use garden cucumbers for this recipe, but you can use your favorites! Lemon cucumber offers a fun flavor twist, if you are looking for something different.

this recipe’s must-haves

You will need a food processor and high-speed blender, like a Vitamix, to make the cucumber juice.

To make the cocktail, grab your jigger, a good cocktail shaker, and cocktail strainer. There’s no need for muddling since you are making the juice yourself!

I like to use coupe glasses for my martinis, but you can also use martini glasses. If you want to glasses you see here, they are Viski Beau Coupe Glasses and I adore them. SO pretty. Use your favorite cocktail glass!

here’s how to make a cucumber martini

make cucumber juice

Place the chunks of peeled cucumber into the bowl of a food processor or high-speed blender. Puree until the cucumbers have broken down and the mixture is smooth. Strain the cucumbers over a medium bowl. Clean the strainer and grab another medium bowl. Strain the cucumber juice again into the clean bowl. You should have 1 cup of cucumber juice in the end (enough to make 4 martinis!).

Chill two martini glasses or coupe glasses in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

shake

Fill a martini shaker halfway with ice. Add vodka, lime juice, and 4 oz cucumber juice. Shake well until completely chilled.

strain

Strain the cocktails into two chilled glasses. Garnish and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Looking to replicate the garnish here? Use a mandoline to get a thin slice of cucumber. You can also use a vegetable peeler! Gently fold the slice into the wave pattern you see here, then pierce with a cocktail pick right in the middle. You can also simply garnish with cucumber slices.

tips and tricks

use different cucumbers. Change up the flavor by using different cucumbers like lemon cucumbers or English cucumbers.

use cucumber vodka. Want even more cucumber flavor? Use cucumber vodka instead of regular vodka.

don’t have a cocktail shaker? If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a screw-top lid instead.

variations

make it spicy. Add in a couple of slices of jalapeño pepper when you shake the cocktail for a little extra heat. You can also rim the glass with Tajin!

use gin. Turn this into a gin martini by using gin instead of vodka.

add elderflower. Add 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur (like St Germain) to give this classic cocktail a little floral sweetness. This martini is on the drier side, so if you like a sweeter martini this is a good way to customize it. It’s better than just using simple syrup!

More fresh cocktails to try out: Bacardi Mojito | Lemon Basil Cooler | Watermelon Gin Cocktail | Raspberry Daiquiri

what kind of cucumbers should I use?

For this recipe, we use garden cucumbers (the typical large cucumber you find at the grocery store) to get the most cucumber juice possible. You could also use hothouse cucumbers, English cucumbers or mini cucumbers, but you will have to use a lot more cucumbers because of their size.

can I buy cucumber juice for this recipe?

Yes, if you can find fresh cucumber juice (100% juice, not a juice cocktail) you can easily use that in lieu of making it yourself.

can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

This cocktail is best enjoyed when it is freshly made. If you make it ahead of time, the ingredients will separate and you will end up having to shake it all over again. Therefore, it’s best to make the cocktail just before serving!

Need some inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with this cucumber martini

We like to whip up these cucumber martinis for an afternoon refresher or you can add them to your party menu for your next gathering. When pairing cucumber with food, go with lighter flavors! The refreshing lightness of the cucumber in the cocktail is what makes the martini so good, so you don’t want to overshadow it with heavy flavors.

Here are some of our favorite bites to pair with this cucumber maritni:

Whipped ricotta is ready in just 5 minutes! You can serve it with your favorite toppings or as is.

Easy marinated mozzarella balls are a tasty appetizer to have ready in the fridge for last-minute guests.

Tomato puff pastry tarts pair together a buttery, light crust with juicy, fresh tomatoes. They are gorgeous and easy to make!

This summer charcuterie board is full of refreshing dips, seasonal produce, and a spread of cheese and cured meats. It’s our favorite centerpiece to serve all summer long.

how to store

Store. Any leftover cucumber juice can be store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

more refreshing cocktail recipes to enjoy

A classic patron margarita always hits the right spot on a hot day. It’s an easy cocktail that highlights the tequila in just the right ways.

Fruity and fresh, this blueberry margarita is ready for summer when blueberries are at peak seasonality.

A watermelon gin cocktail is the best way to use up any leftover watermelon!

This tasty cucumber margarita is refreshing and cooling.

Finally, if you make this cucumber martini recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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