How to Make Cucumber Infused Gin in 5 Simple Steps
Before we begin...
It was a hot summer day when I came across a pub that served a drink made with cucumber-infused gin. Instantly, I became a fan and decided to find a way to make it myself. I'm a gin lover anyway, but as soon as I found a new way to enjoy it I was definitely open minded to it. It might sound sort of strange at first to use a cucumber of all things, but I found that it provides a very refreshing taste! And it's not overbearing, or too sweet. And, vegetables are good for you! I've made it a few times, and I will say that it actually turns out best if you use a cheap or generic brand of gin, as opposed to the spiced or fancy kind, such as Bombay Sapphire. Not that it would taste bad, but the other flavors in the spiced versions tend to change the taste of the cucumber. I usually go with the cheapest bottle I can find, and one large, plump cucumber. Make sure you get the regular kind, not the English kind...as they are too skinny. As for the container, I actually funnel most of it back into the original gin bottle and use a separate jar or bottle for the overflow. This is a very ideal summer drink for sitting by the pool, but it's also enjoyable in the winter with a nice warm meal. As a mixer, all citrus sodas give it a nice compliment, but regular club soda or tonic works just fine!
Ingredients
- 1 Large Cucumber, Chopped
- 1 Standard Size Bottle of Gin
- 1 Lime, (optional)
- A couple drops Lavender Water, (optional)
- Find a glass jar or container big enough to hold the entire bottle of vodka and cucumber together. Once the cucumber is added, it will require more volume.
- Cut the cucumber in half, and remove the seeds. Dice the rest into small cubes.
- Put the vodka and the diced cucumber into the blender, and blend until it becomes a green slush. This would be the time to add the juice of one lime and lavender if wanted. Other things could be added for an extra flavor, but it even tastes good with just the cucumber.
- Put it in the fridge and let it sit for at least a week. Over time you will see the cucumber and gin start to separate, so it might be good to shake it up once in a while.
- After the sitting time is up, pour the mixture through a strainer and get all the cucumber chunks out. It might take a couple times until you are satisfied. The end product will be a light green spirit with tiny green specks. Serve with club soda, sprite, or on the rocks with a lime wedge!
Good drinking glassware
Tips
* Straining twice is what I've found to work the best for the end product.
* Add a little bit of mint for some extra fresh flavor.
* Serve with a lemon or lime wedge to dress it up a little.
* Good to store it in the fridge. I haven't tried leaving it out, and I assume it would be fine since it's in alcohol...but since it involved fresh produce I've always kept it cool.
