Alton Brown's Gin Punch Puts A Refreshing Twist On Classic Lemonade

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If you're looking to shake up your summer cocktail routine without having to learn complicated new processes or splurge on fancy ingredients, Alton Brown has you covered. His gin punch takes a familiar favorite warm-weather beverage, jazzes it up with a boozy kick, and employs a supremely refreshing finishing touch for game-changing flavor. The secret is simple but brilliant: cucumber.

To make this instant party hit, start with a foundation of classic lemonade. For 16 cocktails, Brown's recipe on his website calls for four lemons with sugar and water, plus 24 ounces of gin, and a large cucumber thinly sliced. You make the lemonade first and strain it, then let the cucumber infuse into it for an hour, then add the gin. Voila: A crowd-pleaser that's flawlessly balanced between bright acidity and tartness, just enough sweetness, and grassy, fresh herbaceousness — plus the notes of your favorite gin. Whether you want to try this tipple yourself before serving it at a gathering, or would just like a delightful adult beverage, you can make a single serving by adding 1½ ounces of gin to a glass of lemonade. 

The cucumbers don't just add flavor to the beverage, they also provide a snackable garnish. "The cucumbers become a sort of fresh pickle in the lemonade and should be devoured, not discarded," Brown wrote in an Instagram post showcasing the punch. His followers approve of the recipe, commenting that it looks like a dream cocktail and a perfect Friday treat.

It's not just Alton Brown's gin punch that benefits from the fresh twist of cucumber. Just looking at the basics of that combination, you can use cucumbers to elevate a gin and tonic, especially with a complex, flavor-forward gin. Hendrick's Gin is infused with cucumber and rose, so it's a perfect match; other intriguing and tasty options include Glendalough Wild Botanical Irish Gin with dozens of foraged botanicals and Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative for a non-alcoholic rendition.

Cucumber plus pretty much any fruity sparkling water is already a dreamy start, then you can get creative with fresh juices and spirits from neutral vodka to subtly fruity, honey-esque tequila. Speaking of tequila, a timeless margarita with cucumber would be a bright, citrusy, herby sipper, and cucumber would also play well with the floral notes of an elderflower margarita. The mojito is supremely refreshing on its own, and cucumber is an inspired addition — just think of how well cucumber and mint work together. 

You can take cucumber in a savory cocktail direction too. The martini has so many possible variations, and cucumber is another excellent option. Just muddle cucumber with vodka or gin and vermouth — try adding other tasty ingredients like wasabi, cilantro, or basil. Cucumber is a lovely flavor for mocktails too. Flavor a homemade simple syrup with rose, lavender, mint, basil, cilantro, jalapeño, strawberry, blueberry, or truly any botanical or fruit you prefer and add it to soda water with muddled cucumber.