# Cucumber Gin Fizz > A spa-like summer spritz: bright cucumber, floral elderflower, and zesty lime meet crisp gin and soda for a light, refreshing cocktail. Low-calorie and effervescent, this Cucumber Gin Fizz is perfect for patio afternoons or an elegant aperitif. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/cucumber-gin-fizz ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 26, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe Think of this Cucumber Gin Fizz as a small cool-down in a glass: the bright green, watery crunch of English cucumber, the zippy, clarifying citrus of fresh lime, and the soft floral lift of elderflower all play off a clean botanical gin to create an effervescent, low-calorie spritz. The technique — blitzing or muddling raw cucumber with lime and a touch of simple syrup, then straining — gives you a whisper of vegetal perfume without the pulpy grit, while the quick shake with ice brings the flavors into focus before the soda adds a lively, refreshing lift. This version works because of balance and restraint: use a mild, seedless English cucumber to avoid bitterness; choose a lighter hand with sweetener so the delicate elderflower sings; and always top with chilled soda at the end so the fizz remains crisp. It’s ideal for patio afternoons, an elegant pre-dinner aperitif, or a brunch where guests want something light and aromatic rather than boozy. Garnishes are simple but intentional — a cucumber ribbon and a mint sprig give first impressions of cool and fragrant that match the first sip. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 10 minutes - Servings: 3 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Drinks ## Ingredients ### Release the cucumber juice - 1 large English cucumber (ripe, sliced; reserve a ribbon for garnish) - 2 oz Fresh lime juice - 1 oz Simple syrup (1:1) or light agave syrup ### Build the cocktail - 6 oz Gin - 2 oz Elderflower liqueur (St‑Germain) or elderflower cordial ### Strain and top with soda - 12 oz Club soda (chilled) - 4 sprigs Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish) ### Chill with ice - 2 cups Ice ## Ingredient Guide ### English cucumber (ripe, sliced; reserve a ribbon for garnish) A long, thin cucumber variety often labeled English, European, or hothouse; it has thinner skin, smaller seeds and a milder, crisper flavor than common slicing cucumbers. It’s widely available in many U.S. grocery stores but may be called Persian cucumber in some markets. If you can’t find one, substitute with a Persian cucumber or a regular cucumber with the seeds scooped out for less bitterness. ### Simple syrup (1:1) or light agave syrup Simple syrup is equal parts granulated sugar and water dissolved into a thin liquid; light agave syrup (agave nectar) is a sweet syrup from the Mexican agave plant that’s thinner and sweeter than honey with a neutral flavor. Agave is sold in most supermarkets and natural-food stores and is often used as a vegan/low-glycemic alternative to sugar. Substitute agave with simple syrup (on a 1:1 basis but use slightly less agave because it’s sweeter), honey, or a mild corn syrup, adjusting to taste. ### Elderflower liqueur (St‑Germain) or elderflower cordial Elderflower liqueur (St‑Germain is a well-known French brand) is made from the blossoms of the elder tree; it has a fragrant, floral, lightly sweet and slightly fruity profile and is popular in cocktails. Elderflower cordial is the nonalcoholic syrup version used to add the same floral note. Find the liqueur at liquor stores and the cordial at specialty or online retailers; you can substitute with elderflower cordial for a nonalcoholic option or approximate the flavor with simple syrup plus a few drops of orange blossom water or a mild floral syrup. ## Instructions ### 1. Release the cucumber juice Slice the cucumber and add the pieces to a cocktail shaker or bowl. Add the fresh lime juice and simple syrup, then muddle or blitz with an immersion blender until the cucumber is well broken down and fragrant. Let the mixture rest a minute so the flavors meld, then strain through a fine mesh sieve into the shaker, pressing to extract as much juice as possible; discard the pulp or save for another use. ### 2. Build the cocktail Into the strained cucumber-lime syrup in the shaker, pour the gin and elderflower liqueur or cordial. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine — you want the floral notes to marry with the cucumber before chilling. ### 3. Chill with ice Add plenty of ice to the shaker, cap it, and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold. This quick shake brightens the flavors and chills the mix without over-diluting the delicate elderflower. ### 4. Strain and top with soda Strain the shaken cocktail evenly into four glasses filled with fresh ice. Top each glass with chilled club soda (about 3 oz / 90 ml per serving) to give the drink a lively fizz, then gently stir once to integrate. ### 5. Garnish and serve Thread a long cucumber ribbon onto a mint sprig or gently twist it into the glass and tuck a mint sprig alongside. Serve immediately — the fizz is part of the charm, and that cool cucumber aroma is the first thing your guests will notice. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 cocktail): - Calories: 280 kcal - Protein: 0.1 g - Carbohydrates: 18.7 g - Fat: 0.1 g - Saturated Fat: 0 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 0.1 g - Sugar: 14.8 g - Added Sugars: 6.8 g - Cholesterol: 0 mg - Sodium: 3 mg - Potassium: 31 mg - Calcium: 3 mg - Iron: 0.1 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### Pick English cucumber Their thin skin and small seeds give cleaner juice and less bitterness; if using garden cucumbers, peel and deseed before using. ### Muddle versus blitz Muddling by hand releases subtle cucumber oils; an immersion blender gives more juice and a brighter color—either works, just strain thoroughly for clarity. ### Press the pulp After straining, press the solids against the sieve with the back of a spoon to extract maximum juice and aroma without pulp. ### Shake briefly Shake 10–12 seconds with ice to chill and dilute slightly—over-shaking will water down the delicate elderflower notes. ### Add soda last Pour club soda over the already strained cocktail to preserve carbonation and give each glass a lively effervescence. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Alcohol-free mocktail Omit the gin and replace it with chilled green tea or cucumber water plus a nonalcoholic botanical spirit or extra elderflower cordial; keep the soda for fizz. ### Sparkling wine upgrade Swap club soda for prosecco or cava to make a more celebratory spritz—use less elderflower liqueur to avoid cloying sweetness. ### Herbal twist Muddle a few basil leaves with the cucumber for a sweet-herbaceous edge, or substitute mint for basil for a brighter finish. ### Lower-sugar option Use light agave or reduce simple syrup to 1/2 ounce per 2-ounce lime if using elderflower liqueur, since many cordials/liqueurs are already sweet. ## Notes I love how this drink feels like a mini spa treatment in a glass — cooling cucumber and delicate elderflower make it unexpectedly elegant. It’s a go-to for warm nights when you want something bright, light, and effortless. ### Storage and Make-Ahead You can make the strained cucumber-lime base (without gin or soda) up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator; it will keep its brightness briefly but will lose some fresh aroma after a day. Do not mix in soda ahead of time — add chilled club soda just before serving to retain fizz. There is no reheating; serve cold over fresh ice. ### Serving Suggestions Serve in tall Collins or highball glasses over fresh ice with a long cucumber ribbon and mint sprig for aroma. Pair with light bites like goat-cheese crostini, smoked salmon canapés, chilled shrimp, or a chilled cucumber and dill salad to echo the drink’s herbal-citrus profile. For a sunny brunch, offer alongside a platter of fresh fruit and ricotta toast. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I use a regular cucumber instead of English cucumber? Yes, but peel and scoop out the seeds first because standard slicing cucumbers can be bitter and seedy; English (seedless) cucumbers give a cleaner, more delicate juice. ### Should I use elderflower liqueur or cordial? Liqueur (like St‑Germain) adds alcohol and sweetness, while cordial is nonalcoholic and often sweeter; if using cordial reduce the simple syrup, and if using liqueur you may want to cut back on added sweetener. ### How do I prevent the drink from becoming watery? Strain well and only shake briefly — over-dilution happens when you use too much ice time; add soda at the last moment and serve immediately to keep the fizz alive. ### Can I make this recipe for a large crowd? Yes — scale the cucumber-lime base and elderflower proportionally and keep it chilled; add gin and soda to each pitcher or glass just before serving to preserve effervescence. ### What’s the best way to get a clear, pulp-free drink? After muddling or blitzing, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a nut-milk bag and press gently to extract juice without pushing solids through. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Blender Recipe)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/watermelon-agua-fresca-easy-blender-recipe) - [Brown Butter Dalgona](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/brown-butter-dalgona) - [Mushroom Mocha Latte](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/mushroom-mocha-latte) - [Hibiscus Cold Brew Fizz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/hibiscus-cold-brew-fizz) - [Boozy Red White Blue Popsicles (Vodka Ice Pops for Adults)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/boozy-red-white-blue-popsicles-vodka-ice-pops-for-adults) - [Hibiscus Simple Syrup](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/hibiscus-simple-syrup) - [Trending Grillside Drinks for 2026: Cocktails, Low‑ABV Sippers, and Non‑Alcoholic Pairings to Elevate Backyard BBQ](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-grillside-drinks-2026-cocktails-low-abv-non-alcoholic-pairings) - [Blue Drinks at Home: Natural Color Techniques + 10 Viral Blue Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/blue-drinks-natural-ingredients-10-viral-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)