A modernist twist on the classic Cucumber Gimlet

Welcome to the fascinating world of modernist cuisine where traditional recipes are transformed into sensational experiences. Today, we’re revisiting a beloved classic, the Cucumber Gimlet, and infusing it with a dash of culinary science to delight both your palate and your curiosity.

The Timeless Appeal of the Gimlet

The Gimlet has enjoyed a storied history, cementing its status as a timeless cocktail favorite. Originally concocted as a means to encourage sailors to consume their rations of potentially life-saving lime juice, the Gimlet began its journey in the British Navy. The lime helped prevent scurvy, and when mixed with gin, it became a medicinal treat that was easy to enjoy. Over the years, this simple yet powerful drink has evolved, finding its way into the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts around the world. Its popularity endures largely due to its refreshing simplicity, combining the sharp zest of lime with the botanical notes of gin.

Introducing Cucumber Pearls

In our modernist version, we elevate the traditional Cucumber Gimlet by introducing cucumber pearls using the techniques of molecular gastronomy. This approach not only enhances the visual appeal of the drink but also introduces an exciting textural element. By using Sodium Alginate and Calcium Lactate, we create spheres that burst with fresh cucumber juice, delivering an explosion of flavor with each sip.

How We Make Cucumber Pearls

1. Cucumber Juice Preparation: Start by juicing fresh cucumbers to get the base for your pearls.
2. Alginate Bath: Dissolve sodium alginate in water, creating a bath where our cucumber juice will soon take form.
3. Cucumber Mixture: Mix the cucumber juice with calcium lactate, which reacts with the alginate bath to form the outer shell of the pearls.
4. Formation of Pearls: Drip the cucumber mixture into the alginate bath. Each drop forms a pearl, encapsulating the essence of cucumber in a delicate sphere.
5. Rinsing: Once formed, the pearls are rinsed in water to remove any residue of alginate, leaving behind pure, clean cucumber pearls.

Why This Modern Twist?

This modernist approach not only pays homage to the innovative spirit of cocktail culture but also adds an interactive element to the drinking experience. As you sip the Gimlet, the cucumber pearls mingle with the crisp gin and tangy lime, creating a multidimensional flavor profile that’s as surprising as it is delightful.

Serving the Modernist Cucumber Gimlet

Serve this avant-garde creation in a chilled glass. The visual of cucumber pearls floating in a transparent mix of gin and lime not only makes for an Instagram-worthy presentation but also invites drinkers to engage with their cocktail in a new and exciting way.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious enthusiast ready to explore the boundaries of what a cocktail can be, this modernist take on the Cucumber Gimlet is sure to provide a refreshing twist that will leave you and your guests mesmerized. Enjoy this blend of history, flavor, and science at your next gathering!

Cucumber Gimlet Cocktail Modern Twist Recipe

Special Ingredients Europe

A classic strong gin and lime cocktail with a modernist twist

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Prep time 10 minutes min

Cooking time 10 minutes min

Course Cocktails

Cuisine Molecular

Servings 1 1

Equipment

• Precision Scale
• Pipette
• Spherification Bottle

Ingredients

  

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Cucumber pearls

• 250 ml cucumber juice
• 10 ml gin
• 50 gr sugar
• 1.6 gr Sodium Alginate
• borage flowers as garnish

Cucumber Gimlet Cocktail

• 50 ml gin
• 35 ml suspension syrup See below
• 25 ml lime juice

Calcium Bath

• 20 gr Calcium Lactate
• 1 L water

Suspension Syrup (100 ml)

• 50 ml water
• 50 gr sugar
• 1 gr Xanthan Gum

Directions

 

Cucumber Pearls

• Blend the Sodium Alginate, cucumber juice, gin and suger together until the liquid thickens a little.
• Pass the mixture through a sieve or muslin to remove air bubbles
• Create the calcium bath: Blend the caclium lactate and water well and allow to settle.
• Use a pipette or syringe to make caviar pearls by dropping the cucumber mixture into a calcium bath
• Allow the caviar to react for thirty seconds then remove with a slotted spoon and rinse in a bath of fresh water.
• Use as soon as possible after making

Cucumber Gimlet

• Pour the gin, lime juice and suspension syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Stir to chill then strain the drink into a glass
• Stir a few of the cucumber pearls into the mixed drink and garnish with borage flowers.

Keywords Cocktail, Cucumber, Gin, Lime, Lime Food Flavouring Oil, Sodium Alginate, Sugar, Suspension Syrup

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