Name: cucumber borage gin and tonic
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: for syrup:; 1 cup water; 1 cup sugar; ½ cup fresh borage flowers OR ? cup dried borage flowers; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); Instructions; for cocktail:; 2 ounces gin; 1 ounce borage simple syrup; ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice; 4 ounces tonic water

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This cucumber borage gin and tonic is a gorgeous refreshing highball cocktail that's crisp, slightly floral and incredibly well balanced. Serve it with our stunning cucumber borage salad!

This is the type of drink that really transports you to an elegant garden party. It's the perfect accompaniment for a floral themed bridal shower.

close up glass cucumber borage gin and tonic - whisky glass with cucumber garnish and two dainty borage flowers floating on top

What is borage?

Blue borage flowers are beautiful edible flowers, which are vibrant star-shaped blooms that add beauty to the plate, along with a mild cucumber flavor that some describe as a sweet honey taste. That's why they make a perfect pair with cucumber.

close up photo of borage flowers in a blooming garden

Why you'll love this cocktail

This drink tastes just like good old fashioned G&T’s but amped up thanks to fragrant flavors plus subtle hints of sweetness coming through the syrup. It's just so good. And the best thing about gin and tonics? You can change up their taste just by picking a different gin. Here are my favorites for a refreshing botanical gin and tonic, as their underlying flavor notes pair perfectly.

overhead shot of three glasses of cucumber borage gin and tonics with a bottle of Hendrix on a white wooden background

What gin should you add?

The tasting notes in these quality gin spirits pair beautifully with a botanical cocktail

Uncle Val's Botanical Gin- Cucumber, Sage, Lemon
Hendrix -Cucumber, Rose, Citrus
Tanguray - Juniper, Coriander, Anise
Bombay - Juniper, Coriander, Lemon
Gordon's - Pine, Pepper, Angelica

overhead shot of a dainty white bowl with borage blossoms and a thinly sliced cucumber garnish

Ingredients you need:

Gin
Tonic water
Ice
Lime
Cucumber
Borage simple syrup
- Borage flowers, fresh or dried
- Honey
- Sugar
- Water

45 degree angle shot of ingredients and tools for cucumber borage gin and tonic, glasses, simple syrup, gin, ice cubes, cucumber, sugar

Helpful tools:

Cocktail shaker - for shaking your simple syrup into your lime juice and gin
Cocktail jigger - for measuring in oz

Both of these are optional, you can absolutely just pour your ingredients into a glass and stir if you don't have these on hand.

How do you make borage syrup?

This 1:1 ratio is so simple, all it requires is 1 cup of water to 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of fresh or ⅓ cup of dried borage flower. I also add ¼ cup of honey for it's beautiful ability to balance the floral flavor in this syrup.

In a small saucepan over medium/high heat, heat the water, honey, sugar, and borage flowers until it comes to a simmer. Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue simmering gently for 5 minutes, reduce heat and let simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes. Then, remove from heat and let the liquid cool. Lastly, strain into a jar (with an airtight lid)

bright overhead shot of three glasses of gin and tonic garnished with borage flowers and cucumber

How to make this recipe?

Add your gin and borage flower syrup, lime juice with ice into your cocktail shaker. Shake well. Strain over your glass of choice with ice. Top with tonic water. Add your garnish, and enjoy.