The Old Maid Cocktail: A Crisp Gin Drink with Cucumber & Mint
September 5, 2022 2025-05-26 15:21The Old Maid Cocktail: A Crisp Gin Drink with Cucumber & Mint
The Old Maid Cocktail: A Crisp Gin Drink with Cucumber & Mint
Looking for something cool, crisp, and refreshingly different?
Meet the Old Maid cocktail—a cucumber and mint gin drink that’s as herbaceous as it is invigorating.
Perfect for warm days or anyone craving a fresh botanical burst, this under-the-radar cocktail deserves a spot in your home bar. Let’s dive in.
" Old Maid "
Who invented this cocktail ?
The Old Maid cocktail was created in 2004 by renowned bartender Sam Ross at the legendary Milk & Honey bar in New York City.
Known for his innovative spins on classics, Ross designed this drink as a variation of the Southside, but with an even more cooling twist thanks to fresh cucumber.
While gin is traditionally used, Ross originally intended the base spirit to be flexible—vodka or even tequila work surprisingly well. Still, gin lovers tend to appreciate the way its botanicals pair with mint and citrus.
Today, the Old Maid stands out as a modern classic—refreshing, aromatic, and endlessly customizable.
Let's
try this one together !
Ingredients
60 ml ( 2 oz ) Gin
22.5 ml ( 0.75 oz ) Simple Syrup
7-8 Cucumber slices
3-4 Mint Leaves
Half Lemon Squeezed
Large Round Ice Cube
Garnish : Cucumber Slices on a Cocktail Pick
How to do it
- Drop 7-8 Cucumber Slices & 3-4 Mint Leaves inside the Shaker
- Pour the Simple Syrup on top of them using a Jigger
- Muddle Gently
- Add the Gin with some ice cubes & squeeze half a lemon inside the shaker
- Shake Well
- Strain into the Glass after adding a large round ice cube inside it
- Garnish with Cucumber Slices on a Cocktail Pick & Insert your favorite matching straw
Gesondheid !
Fine strain
or not?
If you like a clean, clear drink, double strain through a mesh strainer to catch cucumber bits and mint flecks.
But don’t stress—it’s perfectly fine to leave the herbs in for a more rustic, flavor-packed presentation. This one’s about personal taste.
