Spicy Cucumber Martini

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Made with fresh ingredients like jalapeno, mint, fresh cucumber, vodka, dry vermouth, and cucumber juice, this Cucumber Martini recipe is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Even the most anti-martini cocktail drinkers will be converted after experiencing this refreshing cocktail.

Raise your hand if you love a cool, refreshing beverage on a hot day! Us too. One of our favorite ways to add a bit of freshness to our cocktail recipes is by adding mint, like in this crazy refreshing julep, strawberry crush, and this Cucumber Martini. Whether you’re trying to impress your friends and family with your mixology skills or want to ignite your inner James Bond, this cocktail recipe will have you feeling like a true grown-up in no time!

What Is a Cucumber Martini?

A classic martini is made with gin and vermouth, but we’re using vodka in this version. So, technically, yes, it’s a cucumber vodka martini. And even if you’re not a fan of overly sweet libations, the simple ingredients in this mature cocktail promote a balance of flavors from the jalapeno and fresh, bright herbs muddled and combined with the spirits. The blend is what makes it the best cucumber martini you’ve sipped!

What You Need to Make a Cucumber Martini

Jalapeno – For heat.
Mint – Fresh mint leaves. Alternatively, fresh basil is an amazing option for this cocktail as well.
Vodka – We’re testing the Bellion Vodka. This new NTX technology is designed to be easier on your liver and is sweetened, meaning you need to use less sugary additives or simple syrup in a cocktail. But use whatever vodka you have on had.
Dry White Vermouth – A neutral spirit found in almost all traditional martini recipes.
Cucumber Juice
Chilled Martini Glass – Pop your glasses in the freezer for at least 20 minutes before serving to help the cocktail remain cold while you sip.
Thin cucumber slices and additional fresh mint for garnish.

How to Make a Cucumber Martini

Add the jalapeno slices and mint to a cocktail shaker and muddle.
Add ice to the shaker.
Pour in the vodka, vermouth, and cucumber juice
Secure the top of the shaker and shake vigorously until the cocktail shaker has chilled.
Carefully strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass, making sure no ice cubes, mint, or crushed jalapeno fall in.
Add a sprig of fresh mint and cucumber slices to the cocktail for garnish.
Serve cold.

What to Serve With a Cucumber Martini

Sticking with the fresh theme of this drink, you can pair your Cucumber Martini with a watermelon avocado salad, king salmon, or alongside these pineapple beef kabobs.

Expert Tips

To make a cucumber garnish, you can thinly slice Persian cucumbers into small thin rounds, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. If you make them too thin, they won’t stand on the glass. Then carefully, using a paring knife, add a slit from the edge of the skin to the center of the round and slide it onto the rim of the glass.
Alternatively, warn the drinker that this has a little hit. Slice a long thing of skin off the cucumber and weave it onto a toothpick, starting with a sprig of mint, then interlacing a jalapeno.
If you are feeling bold, serrano peppers are an amazing kick as a substitute for jalapeno.
The best vodka for martinis is smooth vodka. One that doesn’t burn.
If you don’t want the extra kick, omit the jalapeno.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the point of muddling?

Muddling, or using a muddler to press and twist (mash) the leaves of the mint, helps to release the oils and flavors in the leaves, making the cocktail more aromatic and flavorful. Simply shaking the leaves whole with the liquor will result in some flavor, but muddling first is essential for a deeper, better blend.

Do I need a cocktail shaker?

Technically, as much as I adore Bond, a classic martini shouldn’t be shaken. It should be stirred. Martini purists everywhere cringe at this misinformation. But luckily, this isn’t a classic cocktail, and there are pros to using a cocktail shaker. For specificity, we recommend a Cobbler-style shaker for this cocktail as it comes with a strainer that is handy.
However, we do use a cocktail shaker for this recipe. Shaking with ice in a cocktail shaker cools the liquid, dilutes the ice to soften the cocktail, and helps minimize the need to muddle too much.

More Martini Recipes to Try

If you’re ready to feel cool as a cucumber, it’s time to whip up this Cucumber Martini! This refreshing drink will make you feel like you just dipped in a cold pool with every sip. So, grab your martini glasses and make this ridiculously easy, yet super fancy, Cucumber Martini! You can thank us later. Also, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment below to help out the next reader!