I used fresh off the vine produce for my cucumber basil gimlet, putting a spin on this traditional gin and lime cocktail
I could rattle off a list as long as my arm of all the reasons I love the summertime. Long days, early mornings at the beach, road trips with all the windows rolled down in the car, cool drinks on warm afternoons, and of course fresh produce from my garden. And my absolute favorite part of this cucumber basil gimlet is that it combines those last two; cucumber and basil fresh from my yard come together with gin and lime juice for an awesome cooling summertime cocktail.
For those not familiar with the gimlet, it’s a super simple cocktail usually made with gin, (vodka can be used instead) simple syrup, and lime juice. For all the history buffs out there, the creation of the gimlet is credited to Surgeon General Sir Thomas Gimelette, who added lime cordial to gin as a way to combat scurvy in the men under his care in the Royal Navy. The cocktail became his namesake, as well as a refreshing summertime drink for all – even those who don’t have to worry about the onset of scurvy.
While just a plain old gimlet is undeniably delicious, I did my best to bring the classic gimlet to the next level with the addition of cucumber and basil syrup. My dad’s girlfriend Nicole makes this basil syrup from the leftover basil stems once the leaves have been plucked off, as well as the flowers which are too bitter to use fresh. I think this is a brilliant way to make use of perfectly good food that would otherwise be thrown in the garbage – something that Nicole and my dad especially are very well versed in. Nicole will bring us over a jar of this basil syrup every once in a while, and we use it for everything from topping desserts like fresh strawberries or vanilla ice cream to putting it into smoothies for added sweetness to of course adding it to cocktails.
The other added spin in this cucumber basil gimlet comes right in the name: cucumber. Cucumber and gin really work magically together. Come to think of it, cucumber works magically in any drink, and as my roommate Daphane said when I made her try cucumber water for the first time the other night “cucumber makes water taste more watery.” It’s true that cucumber can bring out the flavor of almost anything it is paired with, but I think it works especially well with herbs which does double duty in this basil cucumber gimlet since the cucumber plays so well off the basil as well as off the herby juniper notes of the gin. And in general cucumber is so light and refreshing that it is going to brighten up almost any drink you add it to. With a splash of lime juice and that sweet herbaceous basil simple syrup this cucumber basil gimlet is the perfect balance of sweet, herby, and fresh off the vine flavors.
- 5 oz gin
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz basil simple syrup (see recipe below)
- 1 small cucumber or ½ large cucumber, sliced
- Cucumber slices and basil sprigs for garnish
- Muddle cucumber and basil syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or large glass. Add lime juice and gin, shake to combine. Pour over ice - strainer can be used for a smooth drink or not to keep texture and pieces of cucumber. Garnish with cucumber slice and basil sprig.
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 10-20 basil sprigs - leaves, stalks, and flowers are all ok.
- Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small pot. Add basil and turn off heat. Allow to sit at least 20 minutes. Strain basil and store in the fridge.
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