A Garden in a Glass: The Cucumber Basil Gimlet
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one-stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.
Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.
In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.
So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.
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The Cucumber Basil Gimlet: A Refreshing Aussie Twist on a Classic
The Gimlet – it’s a classic cocktail with a history as interesting as its flavour. Back in the 1800s, British sailors used to drink gin with lime juice to prevent scurvy. They called it a Gimlet, named after a navy doctor who apparently came up with the idea.
But we’re not here to talk about the old-school Gimlet. We’re here to talk about the Cucumber Basil Gimlet, a modern twist that’s perfect for a hot Aussie day. With fresh cucumber and basil, it’s like a garden party in a glass.
Why We Love the Cucumber Basil Gimlet
- Fresh and flavourful: The cucumber adds a refreshing coolness, and the basil gives it a beautiful aroma.
- Easy to make: You don’t need to be a fancy bartender to make this one.
- Perfect for summer: It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping by the pool.
Making the Cucumber Basil Gimlet: Aussie Style
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 45ml Gin: A London Dry gin is a good choice, but use your favourite.
- 22ml Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed, please!
- 15ml Cucumber Juice: Muddle some cucumber or use a juicer.
- 15ml Basil Simple Syrup (optional): This adds sweetness and basil flavour.
- Garnish: A basil sprig and a cucumber slice.
Here’s how you do it:
- Muddle the basil (optional): If you’re not using basil simple syrup, muddle some basil leaves in your shaker.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the gin, lime juice, cucumber juice, and simple syrup (or basil simple syrup) to your shaker with ice.
- Shake it up: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain and serve: Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Add a basil sprig and a cucumber slice.
Tips for a Top-Notch Gimlet
- Use good quality gin: It makes a difference.
- Fresh lime juice is key: Don’t use that bottled stuff.
- Make your own cucumber juice: It’s easy and tastes better.
- Try basil simple syrup: It adds a nice touch.
- Get creative with garnishes: Try different herbs or fruits.
Gimlet Variations
- Sparkling Gimlet: Add a splash of soda water or champagne.
- Spicy Gimlet: Muddle a slice of jalapeno in the shaker.
Food Pairing Ideas
- Seafood: Grilled fish, shrimp, ceviche.
- Salads: Greek salad, Caprese salad.
- Spicy Dishes: Thai food, Mexican food, Indian curries.
- Brunch: Eggs Benedict, avocado toast, smoked salmon bagels.
More Than Just a Drink
The Cucumber Basil Gimlet is more than just a cocktail – it’s a refreshing escape and a taste of summer. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a backyard barbie to a fancy dinner party.
Thanks for joining us behind the bar!
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation!
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This cocktail sounds like the perfect summer refreshment. I love how you’ve broken down everything from the garnishing tips to the steps for making fresh cucumber juice. The suggestion to slap the basil sprig before garnishing is a great tip—I never knew that could enhance the aroma!
The versatility of the Cucumber Basil Gimlet really stands out. I can almost imagine myself in a lush garden with every sip. Overall, this article not only made me want to try making a Cucumber Basil Gimlet but also explore more botanical flavors in my cocktails. Thanks for the inspiration and the thorough guide!
I’m thrilled to hear that the Cucumber Basil Gimlet recipe resonated with you and inspired your cocktail exploration. It’s fantastic that you picked up on the basil slapping technique—it truly brings out the herb’s aromatic qualities.
I’m glad the recipe transported you to a lush garden! That’s exactly the atmosphere I aimed to capture. If you end up making the cocktail, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Perhaps you’ll discover your own unique twist on it!