Cucumber Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Fresh, crisp and minty, the Cucumber Martini is an absolute delight on a warm evening.

Martinis are probably my top, all-time favorite cocktails. A few weeks ago, our Los Angeles-based James Bond group met up to toast the new year, see some friends and make some new ones. The Beverly Bar in Beverly Hills hosted us on one of their popular Martini Mondays. We had a blast and did a lot of catching up, as well as imbibing a generous amount of 007’s favorite libation.

Tonight’s drink brought me right back to that wonderful night. It was a memorable one for a few reasons, just like the Cucumber Martini. And while the evening ended with my co-founder in the hospital after breaking his arm in a mishap—he’s okay, folks!—the Cucumber Martini, as well as the ‘Tinis at the Beverly, ended up being a tad smoother.

Fresh and crisp, tonight’s recipe also lends itself to some fine variations. I made a few different versions at home, switching up the ingredients slightly. Instead of a dry vermouth, I used a white, which pairs beautifully with Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret gin, my personal favorite of the moment. A classic bottle of Hendrick’s will be rose and cucumber-infused, so it lends itself pretty nicely to this mixture, too. If you prefer a London Dry gin, No.3 is a superstar in the spirit world. Everything I mix with No.3 is just incredible, I can’t say enough good things about it. If you see a bottle, grab it.

I also recommend a bottle of Prairie organic gin, which is an American distilled alcohol, and what the Beverly Bar used in their martinis. We loved the cocktails so much we had to ask what they mixed with, and were graciously sung the praises of Prairie. The next time we’re back at the Beverly Bar, I’ll have to ask them to make a Cucumber Martini for me, their way. I make a good cocktail. They make a great one.

What Is The Best Vodka And Vermouth To Use In A Cucumber Martini?

If you’re going for a drier martini, a Dolin dry vermouth is solid and a good price. When making a vodka version of this drink, a smooth Chopin rye is my choice, or a Japanese Nikka Coffey vodka. The name refers to the Scottish still that is used in making the spirit, and the method produces one of the cleanest and smoothest vodkas you’ll ever taste.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

Chill a martini glass or coupe in your freezer for around thirty minutes. It doesn’t have to be that long, but that amount of time ensures an icy-cold glass when you’re ready to pour. Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber and a fresh sprig of mint.

COULD YOU MAKE THIS WITH PICKLES INSTEAD?

You can. Drinks that feature pickles are very popular, like the Pickle Shot, for example. Try it out, you just might love it.

Other Martinis Worth Trying At The Beverly Bar

The Beverly Bar treated us like royalty, and if you’re ever in Los Angeles, make sure you head over there and indulge yourself in some amazing food and incredible drinks. Our club members marveled at just how good the martinis were, and after drinking James Bond’s preferred cocktail all over the city, the ones they offer are truly amongst the very best. Here’s a taste of what you can have there. Or at home in case you can’t make it out tonight. Or if you don’t live in Los Angeles.

• Vesper Martini – Direct from the pages of Ian Fleming, this drink just might be the official cocktail for James Bond fans.
• Lemon Drop Martini – Tart and sweet, this treat can’t be beat. Didn’t mean to rhyme.
• Manhattan – Mondays at the Beverly Bar aren’t just for martinis.
• Vodka Martini – No evening of Bond would be complete without the cinematic spy’s favorite tipple.