White Linen Cocktail (Quick and Simple)
This White Linen Cocktail is crisp, bright and refreshingly smooth with a delicate floral finish. Fresh cucumber slices, lemon juice and elderflower liqueur blend with gin and soda water to create a light, cucumber-forward gin cocktail that feels both elegant and easy.
This is the kind of simple cocktail you serve on a warm afternoon, brunch, at a bridal shower or anytime you want something that feels elevated without being fussy. It's clean, refreshing and always a crowd-pleaser when you want something lighter than a heavy, spirit-forward drink.
If you love fresh, citrusy drinks you have to try our Watermelon Moscow Mule or Madras Cocktail.
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Ingredients
With just a handful of fresh, small-batch ingredients, you can create this balanced drink.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Cucumber Slices: Muddled to release fresh cucumber juice and give that signature cucumber-forward gin flavor.
- Gin: The base spirit that brings botanical notes and structure.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
- Simple Syrup: Softens the citrus and ties everything together.
- St Germain Elderflower Liqueur: Adds a subtle floral sweetness that elevates the crisp blend of gin.
- Club Soda: Lightens the cocktail and the bubbles add a refreshing finish.
Nothing fancy here, just a cocktail shaker, shot glasses and measuring spoons to make this quick beverage.
Variations
- Extra Floral: Add a touch more elderflower liqueur if you prefer a softer, more floral profile.
- Double Strain: Double strain through a fine mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth texture without any pulp.
- Sweeter Version: Increase the simple syrup slightly if you prefer a softer citrus edge.
How to Make a White Linen Cocktail
Look at how simple this is to make.
Add a few slices of cucumber to a cocktail shaker and muddle to release some juices.
Fill halfway with ice and add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and St Germain.
Shake until chilled and strain into a tall glass full of ice.
Top with Club soda and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Hint: Fresh cucumbers make all the difference in flavor and aroma.
Recipe Tips
- Shaken/Stirred: Shake, everything except the club soda.
- Glass: A tall Collins glass is traditional look, but any tall glass that allows room for ice and bubbles works well.
- Garnishes: A cucumber ribbon or slice of cucumber and a lemon wheel elevate the presentation.
- Don't Over-Muddle: Gently press the cucumber slices to release juices without turning them bitter
- Balance: Taste before topping with soda and adjust the simple syrup or lemon juice slightly to suit your preference.
- Batch It: Multiple the recipe to fit into a pitcher and top off with bubbles when serving (use a small strainer to remove any pulp).
One of our go-to drinks is our Purple Rain Cocktail for another refreshing sip.
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Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Desserts: Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake, Strawberry Rhubarb Bread, Fruit Cups, Strawberry Shortcake Cookie Cups and Strawberry Crisp.
White Linen Cocktail Drink Recipe FAQs
Fresh lemon juice gives the cleanest flavor but you can use bottled in a pinch.
A classic London dry gin works beautifully, but a cucumber-forward gin is also a great option if you can get one.
Absolutely. A wine glass is a fun and simple way to give a more elegant presentation.
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White Linen Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Measuring Spoons
- Shot Glass
Ingredients
- cucumber slices
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon simple syrup or more if desired
- ½ ounce St Germain elderflower liqueur
- ice
- club soda
Instructions
- Add a few slices of cucumber to a cocktail shaker and muddle to release some juices.
- Fill halfway with ice and add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and St Germain.
- Shake until chilled and strain into a tall glass full of ice.
- Top with Club soda and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Notes
- Shaken/Stirred: Shake, everything except the club soda.
- Glass: A tall Collins glass is traditional look, but any tall glass that allows room for ice and bubbles works well.
- Garnishes: A cucumber ribbon or slice of cucumber and a lemon wheel elevate the presentation.
- Don't Over-Muddle: Gently press the cucumber slices to release juices without turning them bitter
- Balance: Taste before topping with soda and adjust the simple syrup or lemon juice slightly to suit your preference.
- Batch It: Multiple the recipe to fit into a pitcher and top off with bubbles when serving (use a small strainer to remove any pulp).
- Use Fresh Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers make all the difference in flavor and aroma.
Nutrition
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Such a light and refreshing cocktail!