Lemongrass Cucumber Collins
The Lemongrass Cucumber Collins is my go-to cocktail for a refreshing, sophisticated drink perfect for summer! Featuring Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, homemade lemongrass syrup, and fresh cucumber juice.
I partnered with Empress 1908 Gin to mix up the Lemongrass Cucumber Collins recipe! Recipe and ideas are my own.
I’m welcoming in summer with the crisp and refreshing flavors of the Lemongrass Cucumber Collins! This cocktail combines aromatic lemongrass with fresh cucumber, layered with the floral notes of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, known for its distinctive indigo color and botanical blend. The effervescence from sparkling water makes it a perfect drink to enjoy on warm days. I was inspired by the traditional Tom Collins, a classic cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water.
Homemade lemongrass simple syrup infuses the drink with a unique, citrusy sweetness that perfectly complements the other flavors. Using fresh lemongrass provides a more vibrant and intense flavor, though dried lemongrass can also be used with a longer infusion time. Paired with freshly juiced cucumber and a hint of lime, every sip is bursting with flavor!
Ingredients for the Lemongrass Cucumber Collins
- Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass stalks bring a citrusy, aromatic essence to the syrup. You can substitute dried lemongrass, but remember to infuse longer for a more pronounced flavor.
- Sugar: Essential for making the simple syrup.
- Empress 1908 Indigo Gin: Known for its striking indigo color and unique botanical blend, this gin adds a floral complexity to the cocktail.
- Cucumber Juice: Freshly juiced cucumber brings a refreshing, cooling element to the drink. Use a juicer or blend and strain fresh cucumber.
- Lime Juice: Adds a zesty brightness that complements the gin and cucumber.
- Sparkling Water: For refreshing effervescence, choose your preferred brand.
- Cucumber Slices, Edible Flowers, Fresh Basil: For a bright and fresh garnish!
How to Make the Lemongrass Cucumber Collins
Mixing up the Lemongrass Cucumber Collins is quick and easy! Making the simple syrup takes about 10 minutes, so plan ahead.
Start by preparing the lemongrass simple syrup. Trim the bottom 1/2 inch of a lemongrass stalk and use a mallet or muddler to bruise the lemongrass, releasing its natural oils. Dice the lemongrass finely with a sharp knife, then combine it with sugar and boiling water in a heatproof cup.
Stir until the sugar dissolves and allow the mixture to chill and infuse for at least 10 minutes on the counter or up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Strain the mixture into a jar, discarding the solids.
To make the cucumber juice, use a juicer to juice fresh cucumber or blend fresh cucumber and strain.
To craft the cocktail, mix the lemongrass syrup, cucumber juice, and lime juice in a cocktail glass. Stir well to combine, then add ice and pour in the sparkling water.
Slowly pour Empress 1908 Indigo Gin over the back of a spoon into the glass, allowing it to layer on top. Garnish with slices of cucumber, edible flowers, and fresh basil leaves. Stir before enjoying to blend the flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried lemongrass instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried lemongrass for fresh. You’ll need to infuse the mixture longer to achieve the same intensity of flavor.
What’s the best way to juice a cucumber?
For the freshest cucumber juice, use a juicer. If you don’t have one, blend fresh cucumber and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
What is a Tom Collins?
The Tom Collins typically consists of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water. Known for its refreshing and slightly tart flavor, the Tom Collins is perfect for summer.
What type of sparkling water is best for this cocktail?
Any high-quality sparkling water will work well in this cocktail. For an added twist, use a flavored sparkling water, such as cucumber or lime.
More Gin Recipes to Enjoy
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Lemongrass Cucumber Collins
Ingredients
Lemongrass Simple Syrup
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Cocktail
- 1 1/2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
- 3/4 oz lemongrass syrup
- 1 oz cucumber juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- Garnish: cucumber, edible flowers, basil
Instructions
Lemongrass Simple Syrup
- Prepare lemongrass stalk: Trim the bottom 1/2 inch. Use a mallet or muddler to bruise the lemongrass and release natural oils. Use a sharp knife to dice the lemongrass.
- Add diced lemongrass, sugar and boiling water to a heat proof cup. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Allow the mixture to chill and infuse for at least 10 minutes on the counter or up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Strain the mixture into a jar, discarding solids.
Cocktail
- Add lemongrass syrup, cucumber juice and lime juice to a cocktail glass. Stir to combine. Add ice and sparkling water.
- Slowly pour Empress 1908 Indigo Gin into the glass so it layers. If desired, garnish with cucumber, edible flowers and basil. Stir before enjoying.
