The Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz is crisp, cooling, and super easy to sip. It mixes fresh cucumber and mint with lime juice, simple syrup, and gin, then tops it off with soda water for a refreshing finish. The flavors are clean and balanced herbal, citrusy, and just a little sweet. It’s a great choice when you want something light that still feels thoughtful. Perfect for hot afternoons, garden parties, or anytime you’re after a drink that’s not too heavy. Serve it over ice with extra cucumber and mint for a look that’s as fresh as it tastes.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
This Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz cocktail is light, crisp, and super refreshing. The cucumber gives it a cool, clean flavor, while the mint adds a fresh pop without being too strong. Lime juice brings just the right amount of tartness to balance the simple syrup. The gin sits quietly in the background, giving the drink a botanical edge that pairs nicely with the herbs and citrus. Soda water finishes it off with a soft fizz that lifts the whole drink. It’s smooth, not too sweet, and perfect when you want something easy to sip on a warm day or between heavier drinks.
Equipment and Glassware
To make this Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz right, you’ll need a shaker, muddler, strainer, jigger, and bar spoon. The muddler helps break up the cucumber and mint so the flavors really come through. A fine mesh strainer is a good idea if you don’t want any pulp or bits in the glass. A highball glass works best it gives you enough space for ice and soda water. If you chill your glass first, you can use less ice and still keep things cold. That keeps the drink crisp without watering it down too fast, especially if you’re drinking outside or in warmer weather.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- 4 cucumber wheels
- 6 mint leaves
- Soda water, to top
- Garnish: cucumber slice or mint sprig.
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle the cucumber wheels and mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup.
- Add the gin and fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice or mint sprig.
Pro Tips
- Don’t over-muddle the mint or it can turn bitter just press it enough to release the oils.
- Use thin cucumber slices so they break down easily.
- If you want a cleaner drink, double strain it to catch pulp and mint bits. For a stronger herbal flavor, let the cucumber and mint sit in the syrup for a minute before adding the other ingredients.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice, not bottled it makes a big difference.
- Always add soda water last and stir gently so you don’t lose the bubbles.
- If you’re batching, hold off on the soda until right before serving.
When to Serve
The Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz is a solid go-to for hot afternoons, casual gatherings, or a light cocktail before dinner. It’s also great for daytime events like garden parties, brunches, or outdoor weddings. Because it’s so fresh and not too sweet or strong, it works well early in the day or between meals. It’s also a good reset drink when you want to take a break from heavier options. Serve it when you want something simple but still flavorful and cooling. It pairs well with light snacks, fresh fruit, or grilled veggies.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Stick with a gin that’s clean and not too bold. A classic London Dry like Beefeater or Tanqueray works well here. If you want a slightly softer profile, try Bombay Sapphire or Hendrick’s Hendrick’s even has a cucumber note that matches this drink perfectly.
- Avoid overly floral or spiced gins since they might clash with the mint and cucumber.
- If you’re making this for a group and want to save a little, Gordon’s or New Amsterdam can still do the job without throwing off the balance.
- The gin should support the fresh ingredients, not fight them.
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 4 cucumber wheels
- 6 mint leaves
- Soda water to top
- Garnish: cucumber slice or mint sprig optional
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle the cucumber wheels and mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup.
- Add the gin and fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice or mint sprig.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Don’t over-muddle the mint just enough to release the oils.
- Use English or seedless cucumber for the cleanest flavor.
- Chill your soda water for a better fizz and fresher taste.