Wonderfully refreshing homemade cucumber gin, shaken with with fresh mint and lime juice, topped up with Prosecco or Champagne. This Cucumber Mint French 75, which is also known as a Diamond Gin Fizz, is so delicious and so refreshing, it’s the perfect cocktail for summer. Serve it at a BBQ or pool party, or sip on it in the garden while enjoying those warm summer nights (tell me more, tell me more). The homemade cucumber gin is so easy to make and absolutely divine.
Summer is just around the corner, I can taste it – or that might be this Cucumber Mint French 75 cocktail! I love cocktails any time of the year, but for some reason I really associate them with summer, perhaps that’s because most cocktails lend themselves well to pool side sipping while you soak up the sun – this unique twist on the French 75 cocktail certainly does, that’s for sure. A classic French 75 cocktail is made up of gin, lime or lemon juice and simple syrup, which is then topped up with champagne or another sparkling wine, served in a sours glass. It’s also known as a Diamond Gin Fizz, because it’s very similar to your standard gin fizz but you use champers instead of soda water.
Whatever you want to call it, it’s a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time for good reason – it’s delicious, easy to make and the champagne adds a touch of elegance. I made mine with prosecco because I prefer the more subtle taste over champagne when using it in cocktails, but you can use champagne or your favourite sparkling wine. Perhaps I should be calling it an Italian 75 since I’m using Prosecco over Champagne 😉
The homemade cucumber gin is what takes this amazing Cucumber Mint French 75 Cocktail to the next level and makes it as refreshing as it is. And it is so simple to make, you just have to try it. The first time I made cucumber gin was for a wedding present for my friend, Sarah, and she absolutely loved it. She couldn’t get over how refreshing it was and told me it made the best gin and tonic she’s ever had (and trust me, she’s had a lot!). So I decided I had to make another batch up for her birthday and made a little batch for myself at the same, and I’m so glad I did. Honestly, you have to try it and see how wonderful cucumber can make your favourite gin – it’s a delicate flavour that is so refreshing, it’s like a spa trip for your mouth! And, as Sarah will tell you, it makes an absolutely wonderful gift or even wedding/party favour! It’s so easy to personalise for a gift too, I made mine in this really cute personalised jar that my sister got me for my birthday from Not On The High Street, making it the perfect gift from me to me! Or why not make it up on a plain jar or bottle and add a cute, customised label to hand out as gifts or favours? It would certainly make a unique gift and, trust me, the recipients will adore it. Don’t worry, I’ll be giving you full instructions on how to make it in the recipe – not that you need many instructions, all you do is pour gin over cucumber and let is sit, tightly sealed, in a cool, dark place for a few weeks (this does require some planning as you want the cucumber to infuse the gin for at least a few weeks).
Cucumber & Mint French 75 (aka Diamond Gin Fizz)
Prep
Total
Yield 2
A wonderfully refreshing cocktail made with homemade cucumber gin, fresh mint and lime juice, topped up with champagne or prosecco. The perfect summer cocktail!
Ingredients
For the Homemade Cucumber Gin:
- 2 cucumbers, with peel
- 70cl gin (I used Gordons, you can use your favourite brand, just as long as it's good quality)
- A a large bottle/jar, approx 1 litre capacity
For the French 75:
- 75ml cucumber gin
- 7-10 fresh mint leaves
- 60ml/4 tbsp lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 500ml Champagne/Prosecco/Sparkling wine
You'll also need:
- An iced cocktail shaker (i.e. stick it in the freezer for 10 minutes)
- A muddler
- 2 iced sours or hi-ball glasses
- Fresh mint leaves and cucumber slices to garnish
Instructions
To make the cucumber gin:
- Slice the cucumber into thin slices, about the size you'd slice for a sandwich, leave the peel on. Put all the sliced cucumber in your large jar/bottle. Pour over the gin, make sure all the cucumber is covered - if you have too much cucumber, take some out, because as long as it's covered in gin it won't spoil. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for at least three weeks. You can leave it as long as you like.
- When you're ready to use it, strain it through a fine mesh sieve twice and store in a tightly sealed bottle or jar with the rest of your spirits and liquors.
To make the French 75:
- Put your gin, mint leaves and lime juice in your iced shaker. Use a muddler (or wooden spoon) to mix and crush the mint so it releases all it's flavour. Strain into two iced sours or hi ball glasses.
- Pour 250ml Champagne/Prosecco into each glass, add some mint leaves and fresh slices of cucumber to garnish.
- Serve immediately
Notes
Usually a French 75 would have simple syrup to add sweetness, but the refreshing nature of the cucumber negates the need for this. If you want it less sour though, just reduce the amount of lime juice used.
Use less or more mint according to your tastes. I found 10 leaves perfect.
See how easy this Cucumber Mint French 75 is? Even with making your own cucumber gin!
Mint and cucumber work so well together, since they both really lift and refresh anything they’re added to, so it only makes sense to combine them in a cocktail. I don’t know about you, but this is definitely going to be the cocktail of the summer for me – it’s perfect way to cool down as you relax and enjoy the sunshine. If you’re having a pool party or summer BBQ, your guests will love you for serving this I can guarantee it. And it’s the perfect cocktail to enjoy in evenings, as you sit out in the garden and enjoy the warm breeze and catch up with friends.
Cocktails are such fun way to play with favours and add extra yum to your favourite tipples, and this Cucumber Mint French 75 is no different with the combination of a classic gin cocktail and sparking wine. I can’t wait for you guys to try it out! I recently bought a book on vintage spirits and forgotten cocktails which I can’t wait to experiment with, so expect a few more cocktail recipes cropping up! I already have three more in the works! Yay cocktails!
If you’re with me and think this Cucumber Mint French 75 makes the perfect summer cocktail, please do share using the buttons down the side or at the bottom of this post. And, of course, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Summer over here is far behind, but I am sure your cocktail is delicious anyway!
Well it’ll definitely feel like summer with one!
Michelle, you are best in everything! I can see summer from your refreshing drink. If I will be drinking this (if only I drink alcohol), I think I’d have it under a cottage in a beach.
Your customized jar is so pretty. I think I should make one for me, too. 😀
Thank you Jhuls, that sounds like an awesome way to drink it!
What a refreshing drink, perfect for summer or anytime you want it to feel like summer. Deelious!
Thank you, Lily! Yep, it’s like instant summer in a drink!
So refreshing and pretty. I love the idea of the homemade cucumber gin.
Thank you Mary, it really is yummy!
I love my gin, and will be trying this one. It sounds delicious!
You will definitely love this then Julie, thanks!
I am absolutely obsessed with gin right now, it is my go-to. This sounds so fresh and bright, perfect for all this warm weather we are getting into!
It’s only in recent years I’ve started liking gin, so glad I did!
Thanks Kim
That sounds (and looks) so refreshing, especially with the gentle fizz from the prosecco. Definitely recommending this one for our next lazy day by the pool!
Thank you Laura, it’s perfect for pool side sipping 😉
Always looking for new drink recipes to make for the girls when we get together each week. These look so refreshing. Adding it to the list!
Thanks Jessica, I hope you and the girls love it as much as we do!
Ok, so its heading into Autumn here in Australia… but it’s never too cold for Gin! AND I am absolutely LOVING your cucumber gin. Can’t believe I haven’t tried it given I’m a gin lover. Thanks for sharing!
That’s even more reason to enjoy one, if summer goes away just bring it back with food and drink haha!
Thanks Amanda
What a great cocktail! LOVE your personalized jar 🙂
Thanks Amanda!
It’s so cute isn’t it!
Ah, I love posts personalised to friends – hope Sarah was pleased to be mentioned… along with her many gin drinks 🙂 The cucumber gin sounds fabulous – I’m gonna have to do it. Also, please, please, where did the jar come from?
I think she’s more pleased with the fact I’ve made her more cucumber gin haha!
You definitely should make it, it’s soooo easy, you can do it with vodka too!
The jar is from notonthehighstreet.com – not looked too far into whereabouts (i.e. what section) because it was a birthday present and feels weird/tacky to look it up haha!
Looks so refreshing! My husband would love this!
Thank you!
Ahhh I can’t wait until I can drink again this summer – and this drink looks PERFECT for the heat!
Looks like you’ll be giving birth just in time!!!
Thank you 😀
I LOVE that you made cucumber gin here! I am a gin lover, so I need to do that ASAP! Pinning!
😀 You will definitely love this then Meghan! Thank you!
Cucumber gin! I plan to get all creative and infuse-y with my liquors this summer. The possibilities are endless! Thanks for bringing this to Saucy Saturdays, Michelle. Always love seeing you there.
Thank you Christine!
I am definitely going to be doing lots of alcohol infusing this summer too, can’t wait to see what you make!
fantastic recipe that includes all of my favorite things. quick question about the cucumber gin: after x weeks when it’s properly infused, do you remove the cucumbers from the jar?
Thank you, Allison!
Yes, once you’re ready to start using it you’ll want to drain the cucumbers (strain twice through a fine mesh sieve to get it smooth as poss). The first couple of drinks you may be able to keep the cucumbers in, but once the cucumbers are no longer completely covered by gin you risk them spoiling and ruining your gin!
I love the jar and I love the cocktail!! I would love it if you would link it up to Tipsy Tuesday at Grey is the New Black
Thank you Pam! And I’ll head over now!
This does sound super refreshing! I make refrigerator pickles all summer, so I’ll have to pour gin over one jar instead of vinegar and dill. I’ll definitely have to label it well, though! Lol! Thanks for sharing on #FoodieFriDIY! I pinned this one!
Thank you Martie, you won’t believe how refreshing it is until you try it!
But yes, you definitely want to label that well haha! The cucumbers look like pickles after, my step dad was like “Michelle why do you have a jar of gherkins in the airing cupboard?!” haha
Thanks for pinning!
Homemade cucumber gin! Yes, please. I love a good French 75 cocktail, particularly in the summer… but also in January! 🙂 Totally making this.
A good French 75 is perfect any time if you ask me!
Glad you like the idea of cucumber gin, sooooo good!