Cucumber Mint French 75 (aka Diamond Gin Fizz)

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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail! I love co*cktails any time of the year, but for some reason I really associate them with summer, perhaps that’s because most co*cktails lend themselves well to pool side sipping while you soak up the sun – this unique twist on the French 75 co*cktail certainly does, that’s for sure. A classic French 75 co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktails, 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 co*cktail 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 10 mins

Total 10 mins

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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail. I don’t know about you, but this is definitely going to be the co*cktail 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 co*cktail to enjoy in evenings, as you sit out in the garden and enjoy the warm breeze and catch up with friends.

co*cktails 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 co*cktail and sparking wine. I can’t wait for you guys to try it out! I recently bought a book on vintage spirits and forgotten co*cktails which I can’t wait to experiment with, so expect a few more co*cktail recipes cropping up! I already have three more in the works! Yay co*cktails!

If you’re with me and think this Cucumber Mint French 75 makes the perfect summer co*cktail, 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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Cucumber Mint French 75 (aka Diamond Gin Fizz) | (2024)