Looking for a new cocktail recipe to try tonight? This cucumber elderflower basil martini is the perfect drink for spring! It’s refreshing, light, and perfect for sipping. This is one of my favorite cocktails to serve during a spring get-together.
Ingredients Found in This Cocktail
Cucumber Cucumber is often used as a garnish in cocktails, but its refreshing flavor makes it a popular ingredient. It’s also a good way to add some hydration to your drink.
Elderflower Syrup Elderflower syrup adds a floral flavor and a touch of sweetness to your drink, making it perfect year-round.
Lime Lime juice pairs well with many different flavors and adds a nice tartness to your drink.
Basil Basil has a strong flavor that pairs well with many different drinks. Adding herbs to cocktails is a great way to add flavor and freshness.
Vodka Vodka is a neutral spirit, making it perfect for cocktails as it pairs well with many different flavors. It’s also a good way to add some alcohol to your drink.
Ice Adding ice to your cocktail keeps it cold and refreshing. It’s also a good way to dilute the drink so that it isn’t too strong.
Cucumber Basil Elderflower Martini Recipe
Cucumber Elderflower Basil Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Elderflower Syrup/Liqueur
- 2 ½ ounces Vodka
- ½ cup chopped or pureed cucumber
- ½ ounce Lime Juice 4 thick lime wheels
- 1 sprig of Basil about 6 Basil leaves
- ¾ cups ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add lime wheels, vodka, elderflower syrup, cucumber, and basil.
- If not using cucumber puree, muddle for 30 seconds to blend the flavors.
- Add ice and shake vigorously for 35 seconds.
- Strain into a martini glass, garnish with basil or a cucumber ribbon.
Tips for Garnish
People will be busy raving about the cocktail, but if you have a few extra minutes, make cucumber ribbons to add to your drink. Clean and cut a cucumber, using a mandolin or vegetable peeler to slice thinly, and skewer onto a toothpick.
Questions You May Have While Making This Drink
Can I make this in a batch? Yes, you can make this in batches. Double or triple the recipe to make 2-3 at a time.
Can I make this cocktail in advance? Martinis are best made fresh, but you can prep some ingredients in advance:
- Use frozen lime juice or high-quality bottled lime juice.
- Puree a large batch of cucumbers in advance.
- Add all ingredients (minus the ice) to a shaker and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, add ice and shake vigorously.
Can I use another type of liquor instead of vodka? Yes, gin or herbal liqueurs like Chartreuse pair well with the cucumber and elderflower flavors.
Do I need to muddle the cucumber? If not using pureed cucumber, muddle for 30 seconds to blend the flavors.
Will the lime juice make it too sour? No, the lime juice adds tartness to balance the sweetness from the elderflower syrup.
Should I use Elderflower Liqueur or Syrup? Both work, but elderflower syrup is thicker and has a more intense flavor. If using elderflower liqueur, try a little before adding it to your recipe.
Why is my drink so green? Fresh cucumber and basil give it a green tint. Peel the cucumbers before adding to lessen the green hue.
Can I make this for children? This drink contains alcohol and is for adults only. For a mocktail version, swap the vodka with Seedlip, kombucha, or club soda.
If you’re looking for a new cocktail to try tonight, give this cucumber elderflower basil martini recipe a go. It’s a great way to use up some of the cucumbers from your garden, and the elderflower flavor pairs well with many different flavors.
If you do make this cocktail, let us know what you think. Cheers!
If you loved the Cucumber Elderflower Basil Martini, make sure you check out some of our other cocktail recipes!