This white linen cocktail is a refreshing, light, crisp libation, with a floral, gin-based flavor and a beautifully white appearance, making it perfect for any special occasion.

We share a variety of mixed drinks on the site, and most of them, like this mango mai tai, are geared toward more laid-back occasions, such as barbecues or game-day parties.
We know that not every occasion will have a t-shirt dress code, which is why we also offer more upscale drinks, such as this tequila berry cocktail and tequila espresso martini, which focus on refined flavors and a beautiful presentation.
We've added another cocktail to our rotation that's perfect for special events, featuring a complex flavor and a beautiful appearance. Our white linen cocktail is perfect for parties or other events where something a little more upscale is required. That being said you can always enjoy these refreshing cocktails in your backyard like we do.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Some gin and a handful of other ingredients are all you need to make this cocktail. You can find everything you need at your local grocery store.
- Easy: Just a bit of muddling, shaking, and pouring is all it takes to make this cocktail.
- Fancy: Although the ingredients are simple and the recipe is easy, the vibe of this cocktail is so fancy!
Ingredients
As you can see in the photo, there isn't much to this delicious cocktail.

- Cucumber Slices: Adds a sweet grassy green fragrance with a hint of melon. Use mint leaves for a different flavor or basil adds a sweet slightly spicy flavor. Use cucumber juice for the same flavor without the muddling.
- Gin: Piney and fruity flavors but you can use vodka instead for a more neutral addition that allows the elderflower and cucumber notes in the cocktail to shine. Cucumber vodka adds more cucumber flavor without muddling, and tequila blanco adds a citrus, grass and pepper essence.
- Lemon Juice: Brings balance and brighness. Try lime juice for a sharper, slightly bitter finish, or white grapefruit juice for a soft, tart flavor.
- Simple Syrup:
- St Germain Elderflower Liqueur: Perfect balance of pear, citrus and honeysuckle flavors. Using a hibiscus liqueur adds a more tart, floral flavor and Lillet Blanc contributes a gentler sweet and slightly bitter citrus and floral flavor.
- Club Soda: enhances flavor without overpowering flavors. Use tonic water for a more bitter flavor or sparkling lemonade for a sweeter cocktail.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Variations
- Cucumber Mint White Linen: Add fresh mint leaves and muddle them with the cucumber for a mojito-like change.
- Berry Linen: Muddle fresh blackberries or strawberries with the cucumber for beautiful color and added fruitiness.
- Spicy Linen: Add a thin slice of jalapeño when muddling or a dash of any chili tincture with the cucumber to create a spicy-cool balance.
Instructions
Four simple steps is all it takes to make this cocktail.

Step 1 Muddle Cucumber: Add a few slices of cucumber to a cocktail shaker and firmly muddle to release some juices.

Step 2 Add Ingredients: Fill halfway with ice and add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and St Germain.

Step 3 Shake and Serve: Vigorously shake until chilled, then strain into a tall glass filled with ice.

Step 4 Add bubbles: Top with Club soda and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Recipe Tips
- Refrigerate: Chill your ingredients before mixing for the best results.
- Storage: This recipe makes one cocktail. We recommend making them on demand. Because they're made with bubbly club soda, storing them is not recommended.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this orange gin and tonic, love bug cocktail, bomb pop cocktail or this purple rain cocktail!

Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cocktails alongside this breaded veal cutlet recipe for a special meal or this butter poached lobster tail.
- Serve this cocktail seafood salad as the perfect starter for any event including this cocktail.
Recipe FAQs
A white linen cocktail is typically made with gin, lemon juice, cucumber or cucumber juice, elderflower liqueur, and simple syrup.
Includes subtle notes of peach, pear, grapefruit and elderflower.
The name evokes the clean, crisp, and refreshing feel of freshly pressed white linen, just like the cocktail itself.
It’s light, citrusy, and slightly floral with cooling notes from fresh cucumber. The elderflower liqueur adds a delicate sweetness that balances the tart lemon and gin beautifully.

More Cocktail Recipes
If you love serving cocktails at your parties, then try these other delicious options.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!

White Linen Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber slice
- 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 firmly muddle to release some juices.
- Fill halfway with ice and add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and St Germain.
- Vigorously shake until chilled and strain into a tall glass full of ice.
- Top with Club soda and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Notes
- Refrigerate: Chill your ingredients before mixing for the best results.
- Storage: This recipe makes one cocktail. We recommend making them on demand. Because they're made with bubbly club soda, storing them is not recommended.
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