The distinctive crisp, clean and green flavor of fresh cucumber is prominent in this delicious alcohol-free cucumber gimlet.
The dill adds a subtle hint of aniseed and savory accent to this perfectly balanced sweet and sour delight. Refreshing and deceptively concentrated in flavor, it is a great alternative to short and strong cocktails without the alcoholic hit.
Bold in flavor and light on the calories, this guilt-free mocktail checks all the boxes for an unforgettable apéritif.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. (30 ml) cucumber juice (approx. 3 inches of cucumber)
- 1 oz. (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. ½ large lemon)
- ½ oz. (15 ml) apple juice
- 1 sprig of dill, finely chopped
- ¼ oz. (7.5 ml) agave syrup
- Ice
- Cucumber slice to garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Knife
- Immersion hand blender
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Cocktail shaker
- Gimlet glass
Instructions
- First, make the cucumber juice. If you don’t have a juicer, follow steps 2-4 below.
- Peel the cucumber and chop it into small cubes.
- Use an immersion hand blender to liquidize the cucumber.
- Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to separate the cucumber pulp from juice, using the back of a spoon to press through as much liquid as possible.
- Next, assemble the mocktail.
- Into a cocktail shaker, add the cucumber juice, lemon juice, apple juice, finely chopped dill and agave syrup.
- Throw in some ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Strain into a gimlet glass and garnish with a slice of cucumber.
Similar Mocktails
If you liked Cool as a Cucumber, check out:
- Enforced Rhubarb: Non-Alcoholic Rhubarb and Ginger Martini
- Strawberry Fields: Berry and Cucumber Non-Alcoholic Martini
Alcohol-Free Cucumber Gimlet FAQ
Can I substitute the agave syrup with another sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute the agave syrup with your favorite sweetener. Honey or simple syrup (1:1 ratio of water and sugar) would both work well with this recipe.
What kind of glass should I use for the mocktail?
This recipe calls for the mocktail to be served straight up in a gimlet glass. If you prefer, you could use a martini glass or serve the drink over ice in a rocks glass (or tumbler).
Can I make this mocktail in advance?
It is best to make this mocktail fresh and serve immediately after shaking. However, if you’d like to get ahead, you can prepare the cucumber juice in advance and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Can I adjust the amount of dill used in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of dill used according to your taste. If you’d like a more prominent aniseed flavor, muddle another sprig of dill in the cocktail shaker alongside the chopped dill. If you don’t like dill, you can substitute it with another herb, such as mint or basil too.
Is this mocktail suitable for people on a vegan or vegetarian diet?
Yes, this mocktail is vegan and vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any animal products.
Can I make this mocktail without a cocktail shaker?
Yes. You do not need a cocktail shaker to make this alcohol-free cucumber gimlet. Instead of a shaker, simply add the ingredients into a large glass filled with ice. Use a spoon to stir the liquid until it is ice-cold. This will take longer than shaking the mixture in a cocktail shaker, but should yield the same results in the end.
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