Cucumber Dream

The Cucumber Dream is a visually striking, flavor-forward cocktail that brings together floral gin, tart citrus, cooling cucumber, and the subtle tang of hibiscus. Balanced and refreshing, it’s perfect for spring evenings, garden parties, or anytime you want something crisp with a hint of depth. Inspired by pigeonbardc.

Tasting Notes

Cucumber Dream is a crisp and gently floral drink with a clean, refreshing finish. The muddled cucumber offers a cool vegetal note that plays well with the subtle tartness of lime juice. Hibiscus syrup adds a mild fruit-forward tang, while the simple syrup rounds it out with just a hint of sweetness. The Empress gin floats on top, offering botanical complexity and a striking visual contrast. Sparkling water lifts the drink with a light fizz, keeping it bright without overpowering the other flavors. It’s a smooth balance of earthy, citrusy, and herbal elements with just enough character to stand out.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare the Cucumber Dream, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, a muddler, and a fine mesh strainer for a smooth finish. The cucumber must be thoroughly muddled to bring out its fresh aroma and flavor, while the shaker ensures the lime juice and syrups are well chilled and blended. A bar spoon is helpful for floating the gin, which creates a layered look. A highball glass is recommended for serving its tall shape holds the ice, sparkling water, and floating gin comfortably, giving the cocktail room to show off both its color and its texture.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Empress gin
• 4 slices cucumber, diced
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.25 oz hibiscus syrup
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz sparkling water
• Garnish: cucumber slice and blackberry

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber pieces with the hibiscus syrup and simple syrup.
• Add lime juice and a handful of ice. Shake until the mixture is well chilled.
• Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
• Pour in the sparkling water.
• Slowly add the Empress gin by pouring it over the back of a spoon so it floats and creates a layered effect.
• Garnish with a cucumber slice and a blackberry.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh, firm cucumber for maximum flavor.
• Chill your glass before serving for a more refreshing experience.
• Double strain to avoid cucumber bits in the finished drink.
• Add the sparkling water after straining to preserve its fizz.
• Pour the gin gently over a spoon for a clean float and color contrast.
• Consider floral ice cubes (like edible flowers) for extra visual impact.
• Use a sharp knife to slice the cucumber garnish thinly and evenly.
• Adjust sweetness by tweaking the simple syrup to taste.
• Serve immediately to preserve texture and color separation.

When to Serve

Cucumber Dream works especially well as a warm-weather drink, perfect for spring brunches, summer afternoons, or outdoor evening gatherings. Its light character and fresh ingredients make it a solid choice for any casual occasion where you want something refreshing but not overly strong. It also fits nicely into garden parties or spa-themed events, where its clean profile and floral notes complement lighter menus. Serve it before dinner as an aperitif or as a cooling refresher during a midday break. The cocktail’s gentle fizz and layered color make it both attractive and easy to enjoy.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Empress 1908 Gin – for its color and botanical flavor
• Sipsmith London Dry Gin – for a juniper-forward profile
• Hendrick’s Gin – to enhance the cucumber notes
• Top Note Sparkling Water – clean flavor with good bubbles
• Fever-Tree Club Soda – crisp and widely available
• Liber & Co. Hibiscus Syrup – balanced and not overly sweet
• Small Hand Foods Hibiscus Syrup – natural and flora

Similar Cocktails

• Empress Shirley
• Empress Coconut Lychee Breeze
• Cucumber and Rose Collins
• Sour Cherry Gin Sling
• Nirvana

Save Recipe Form

Δ

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below & I’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from me every week!

Save This Recipe

Cucumber Dream

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes

5 from 1 vote

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: classic gin cocktails, Cucumber Cocktails, easy gin cocktails, Empress 1908 Gin, empress gin cocktails, gin cocktails, hibiscus simple syrup, Sparkling Water, Sparkling Water Cocktails

Servings: 1

Author: Paul Kushner

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Muddler
• Bar Spoon
• Strainer
• Highball Glass

Ingredients

• 2 oz Empress gin
• 4 slices cucumber diced
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.25 oz hibiscus syrup
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz sparkling water
• Garnish: cucumber slice and blackberry

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber pieces with the hibiscus syrup and simple syrup.
• Add lime juice and a handful of ice. Shake until the mixture is well chilled.
• Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
• Pour in the sparkling water.
• Slowly add the Empress gin by pouring it over the back of a spoon so it floats and creates a layered effect.
• Garnish with a cucumber slice and a blackberry.

Notes

Pro Tips

• Use clear ice to highlight the color separation from the floated Empress gin.
• Chill your glass in advance to help maintain the layering effect.
• If your hibiscus syrup is strong, adjust by slightly reducing the simple syrup for balance.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!