Transport yourself to the legendary Carousel Bar at New Orleans’ Hotel Monteleone with this sophisticated gin and cucumber cocktail that captures the essence of Southern elegance in every sip. Created in 2007 by bartender Parker Davis, this refreshing libation showcases the unique botanical complexity of Hendricks gin paired with crisp cucumber, floral elderflower liqueur, and zesty lime juice.
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Gin and Cucumber Cocktail
You may have sipped on a vodka or cognac-based Fleur de Lis cocktail before, but this gin cucumber cocktail is something a bit different.
In this version of the Fleur de Lis, Hendricks gin takes center stage, with elderflower liqueur, cucumber, and lime juices playing supporting roles. Ice-cold ginger ale tops off this cucumber cocktail, making it the ideal antidote to the heat of long summer days.
Fleur de Lis Cocktail is also great for celebrating New Year’s Eve, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick’s Day.
Ingredients
- Cucumber – Fresh, crisp cucumber provides a cooling flavor and aromatic essence
- Fresh lime juice – Adds bright acidity and citrus notes that balance the drink
- Elderflower liqueur – Brings delicate floral sweetness and sophisticated complexity
- Hendricks gin – The star spirit with unique rose and cucumber botanicals
- Simple syrup – Provides controlled sweetness to balance the citrus and botanicals
- Ginger ale – Adds effervescence and subtle spice without overpowering
- Ice – Essential for proper dilution and temperature
- Cucumber slice or lime wedge – For elegant garnish presentation
Ingredient Notes
No bottled lime juice, please. Cocktails deserve freshly squeezed citrus juice.
Elderflower liqueur is a sweet spirit flavored with the flowers from the elderberry bush. It has a flavor that some people compare to lychee nuts. Several brands are on the market, but the most common is St. Germain.
You can make simple syrup by combining equal parts of sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves. Cool before using. Simple syrup lasts for several months covered in the refrigerator.
Hendricks gin may be a bit on the pricey side, but it is a must in this cocktail. See below to learn what makes this brand so special.
Why Should You Use Hendricks Gin?
Gin is gin, right? Wrong. Although all gins share the juniper berry as a flavoring component, that is where the requirements for being classified as a gin end.
You may already know several different categories of gins, such as London Dry, Old Tom, Plymouth, and Navy Strength, but there are many other less familiar varieties out there.
In the complex world of gins, Hendricks might be the oddest. Being odd is something that the distiller of this distinctly unique gin not only accepts but treasures.
What makes Hendricks Gin so different? It’s the inclusion of rose and cucumber along with other botanicals that give Hendricks its one-of-a-kind flavor.
How to Make a Cucumber Gin Cocktail
Here are the steps to make this gin and cucumber cocktail:
- Cut two or three thin slices of cucumber. Use a seedless variety of cucumber if available. Place the cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker.
- Use a muddler or the handle side of a wooden spoon to crush the cucumber lightly. Be gentle. You don’t want to wind up with cucumber mash.Â
- Add the lime juice, elderberry liqueur, Hendricks gin, simple syrup, and ice to the Boston shaker.
- Shake vigorously until the shaker becomes very cold in your hands, about 10 seconds.
- Pour the drink into an old fashioned glass. People are divided when it comes to whether you should strain this cocktail. It is your choice, but if you decide to strain, remember to add fresh ice to the serving glass.
- Top off the glass with cold ginger ale.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice or lime wedge.
Recipe Notes
Fleur de Lis cocktail requires Hendricks gin. You could use other types, but they all have different flavor notes. You want to pick one that has a nice herbal quality. Botanist may also be a good choice.
The ginger ale in this cocktail is not overpowering, unlike in a Moscow Mule.
Some say to use lemon juice; others use lime. On my weekend of sampling cocktails at the bar, they were using lime. You can use either, but I have a preference for the lime version of this delightful drink.
What Goes Well With This Cucumber Gin Cocktail
A Fleur de Lis cocktail screams sophistication, and any snacks you serve alongside should be equally elegant. Here are a few examples:
- Cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches
- Oysters on the half shell
- A selection of nuts
Looking for great cocktails to make? Try these recipes!
- Fuzzy Navel
- How to Make a Mojito
- Italian Margarita
- Lemon Drop Martini
- Painkiller Drink
- Perfect Margarita
- Sex on the Beach Drink
Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Check out more of my easy cocktail recipes and the best summer drink recipes here on CopyKat!
Fleur de Lis Cucumber Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 slices cucumber (2 to 3 slices)
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/4 ounce St. Germain elderflower liquor
- 1 1/4 ounces Hendricks gin (or other cucumber based gin)
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces ginger ale
- 1 cup ice
- lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Place cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker.
- Use a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon to crush the cucumbers.
- Add lime juice, elderflower liquor, gin, simple syrup, and ice.
- Shake for about 30 seconds.
- Pour the drink into a cocktail glass.
- Top with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice or lime wedge.
1 1/4 Hendricks gin, is this ounces??
Yes, this has 1 1/4 ounces gin.
Stephanie, I’ve been wondering what to do with a couple of miniature St Germains I bought. Now I know Fleur De Lis
It is also a nice addition to a gin and tonic.
Stephanie, my Food Blog, is a Blog for all recipes that belong to others. I receive your recipes via email. I love every one so far. Here is where I post all recipes:
I loved this cocktail, I never had one before.
Thank you Donna. I hope you give it a try.
Hi! All your recipes sound delicious! The Fleur de Lis Cocktail sounds interesting!