Inspired by a vicarious spa weekend and a St. Patrick’s Day nudge, this Feisty Cucumber Mint Martini takes an ordinary cucumber martini and kicks it up a notch with some jalapeno and mint! Light, refreshing and a little bit sassy!
This clever cocktail recipe was originally published in March 2014 and has been updated in March 2018!
A few weeks ago a Boulder Locavore reader emailed me with a party cocktail SOS. She has a St. Paddy’s Day party coming up this weekend and needed cocktail ideas preferably with an infusion involved. She has made other infusions from Boulder Locavore and was seeking creative juice to make her party uniquely festive.
Short of infusing a leprechaun I was stumped. For as much as I love the whimsy around St. Patrick’s Day I’m a bit of a traditionalist, appreciating the tried-and-true Irish beer and liquor. Since then I’ve created Lucky Leprechaun Shots with a pleasing green color and melony flavor but this Feisty Cucumber Martini with mint and jalapeno remains a favorite!
The Story behind this Cucumber Martini with a Kick!
Just around this time two sisters of Irish heritage, one whom I’ve loved for decades now as a sister-friend and the other I’ve known through her sister (and have seen photos of her Irish red locks with which I’m completely smitten) began to report of a sister’s spa excursion.
They’d fled winter for the Southwest and in the process run across a most marvelous cocktail. The sister telling the tale doesn’t even drink often and her description left me in a state of rapt curiosity and with that oh-so-familiar feeling that I’d have to replicate it as best I could having never tasted it.
How to make this Feisty Cucumber Martini
Ironically the cocktail is a natural shade of pale green. It is the most refreshing of cocktails, ‘martini’ to be precise. Muddled fresh cucumber, mint, jalapeno all give this kicky little tipple the most soothing flavor. And unlike most martinis a bit of sugar takes the edge off the pure alcohol burn.
Suggested equipment for making the Feisty Cucumber Martini
Staple cocktail-making equipment is used in this recipe: a cocktail shaker, a muddler (used for pushing the ingredients against the shaker to release juices and oils from the ingredients). A TIP on a cocktail shaker stand in: using a quart Mason jar with a lid works great in a pinch as a shaker. There are some versions available with a shaker top too!
Whether celebrating spring, the Irish or simply that it’s Thursday, this Feisty Cucumber Martini with Mint and Jalapeno rings in a new, fresh season with a smooth sip.
More fresh Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love:
- Fresh-style Pineapple Cilantro Margarita
- Blueberry Mint Daiquiris: A Fresh Farmer’s Market Cocktail
- Fresh Paloma Cocktail
If you’ve tried this Feisty Cucumber Martini recipe or any other recipe on BoulderLocavore.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
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Feisty Cucumber Martini with Mint and Jalapeno
Ingredients
- 2 1/4-inch slices Cucumber
- 6 large Mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed Lime Juice
- ¼ teaspoon fresh, seeded, diced Jalapeno pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated Sugar
- 3 ounces chilled Vodka
- cocktail shaker
- muddler
Instructions
- Muddle together the cucumber slices, mint leaves, lime juice, sugar and jalapeno. Combine the muddled ingredients in a shaker with the vodka and ice. Shake well, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Note: the spiciness of jalapeno peppers can vary greatly. If you taste the muddled ingredients and would like more heat, muddle additional jalapeno (1/8 teaspoon at a time) to reach your preferred spice. The drink should be balanced between the refreshing ingredients and the heat. Also once shaken with ice, the heat becomes less prominent.
Carol Cassara says
I’m so curious as to how this tastes! It’s really refreshing and that jalapeno will definitely give it a kick. I think this is something that I’d make and enjoy.
Ora Lee Gurr says
What a fantastic presentation – both the special St Patrick’s Day cocktail and the picture. It’s always nice to celebrate special occasions with a unique food and beverage.
Christie says
This is something you don’t see everyday! I like the sound of this martini: a hint of jalapeno and a touch of mint. It sounds very interesting!
Arlett (Chasing Joy) says
Since my birthday is St.Patricks Day I have great appreciation for green drinks. I’m sure this is way better than green beer.
Viviane Bauquet Farre - Food and Style says
This looks wonderfully refreshing indeed, Toni. Happy St. Paddy’s!
EA-The Spicy RD says
Spectacular!!! I am all for celebrating St Patrick’s Day a few days early 🙂 Cheers!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
Love your photos so much!!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Ashley!
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
Would you believe I’ve never had a martini? It’s true! This one looks marvelous! I absolutely love everything and anything cucumber.
Toni Dash says
I would believe that. I feel like they were a mainstay of my parent’s generation and are edging back into current cocktails in various forms. They are not for the faint of heart in traditional form, being only alcohol. But I will say, with the flavors muddled into this one and the bit of sugar, it’s delicious and easy to sip!
Carolyn says
Aw girl. We need to meet, hang out and kick back a few of these!
Toni Dash says
Wouldn’t that be fun! On a beach…..with no snow. #donewithwinter
Sherrie | With Food + Love says
This sounds perfectly refreshing + delightful. I can’t wait to enjoy this in the summer time.
XO SHERRIE
Pinning + sharing!
Toni Dash says
Thanks Sherrie! It would be great in the summer. So refreshing!