A Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Gin and Tonic

Big Batch Watermelon Gin Cocktail With Cucumber

Watermelon cucumber salad is one of my favorite summer salads. When I decided to work a few of the ingredients into a cocktail, I was a bit skeptical at first. But it paid off big time! You guys have been after me for a while now to make a gin drink after I posted this watermelon vodka cocktail on my Instagram Stories. If you loved the vodka version and my grapefruit salty dog cocktail, I think you’re going to love this watermelon gin cocktail just as much as I do. It might just be the drink of the summer in my house!

Made with watermelon purée, cucumber slices, fresh mint, and lime, it’s refreshing and smooth to drink. Best of all, I make it in a pitcher, so this watermelon gin and tonic-inspired cocktail is party-ready, too.

You’ll Need These Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy watermelon gin cocktail. Scroll to the recipe card for the exact amounts.

• Watermelon – I like to buy a seedless watermelon to save having to fish out the seeds before puréeing.
• Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed is best.
• Gin – Choose your favorite gin. It doesn’t have to be top-shelf since we’re making a cocktail. But the better the gin, the better the drink! See below.
• Cucumber – Try to find seedless cucumbers, like English or Mediterranean cucumbers, if you can.
• Agave – You could also use honey or your sweetener of choice.
• Mint – Fresh mint is a must! Fresh basil would also go nicely if you love a citrusy, herby note.
• Tonic – In my opinion, Fever Tree is one of the best tonic waters out there. They are specifically made for mixed drinks and add the perfect amount of bitterness. Q Drinks is also good if you can’t find Fever Tree. Another option is to use soda water if you aren’t a fan of tonic water.

The Best Gin to Use

These are some of the gun brands you’ll find in stores, including what I recommend for this recipe, as well as gin and tonics in general.

• Hendricks. I used this gin because I love the flavor. It’s a little more complex and very aromatic. Hendricks and cucumber is a classic combo, too.
• Tanqueray. One of the more well-known gins, this London dry-aged gin doesn’t hit you in the face with floral aromatics.
• Old Grove. A very aromatic gin. Rich with notes of coriander, cinnamon, and warm spice, this gin is aged in charred oak barrels for enhanced flavor. 
• Fords. The London-distilled gin is ideal for spring and summer, with delicate notes of grapefruit and jasmine.
• Plymouth. Similar to the Old Grove, this gin has less juniper taste and more coriander and cinnamon. It has a nice finish as well.

How to Make a Watermelon Gin and Tonic

Follow these steps to make a perfectly balanced pitcher cocktail with gin, watermelon, and cucumber.

• Purée the watermelon. Add the seeded watermelon to a blender or food processor and blend until no chunks remain, then strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve (I even add a coffee filter). You can do this right into the pitcher or into a separate bowl.
• Mix the drink. When your watermelon purée is in the pitcher, add gin, lime juice, agave, and mint leaves, then stir. If you’re not serving right away, wait until you’re ready to add the fizz, i.e., tonic water.
• Serve. Serve your watermelon cocktail over ice, garnished with extra cucumber or watermelon slices and mint leaves. Top up with tonic water, and enjoy!

Save the Extra Watermelon Juice

While you can discard the solids after straining, if you have juice leftover, save it! Watermelon juice is as delicious served alone over ice as it is in a cocktail. It’s also great to add to smoothies or even over ice cream.

Optional Garnishes

One of the funnest and easiest ways to accentuate the aromatic gin in this drink is to add garnishes. Juniper berries specifically bring out the natural flavor of the gin, since gin is made from juniper berries. Here are some other ways to garnish:

• Black peppercorns
• Lime wedges
• Citrus slices (lemon, lime, orange)
• Mint or basil sprigs