The Bombay Crush combines gin with cucumber, lime and mint into a refreshing Highball. The name plays on Bombay Sapphire but works with any gin that brings juniper notes. The cucumber is muddled, not just used as a garnish – that’s the difference between a watery filler and a drink with structure. In Mumbai itself, people tend to drink Nimbu Pani, but this Crush has established itself as a summer standard in European bars.
Here’s what you need for the Bombay Crush
5 cm cucumber (peeled, cubed)
8–10 mint leaves
2 cl lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1.5 cl sugar syrup
5 cl gin (classic or Bombay Sapphire)
Soda to top up
Crushed ice
What matters
Cucumber is often underestimated: simply placing it in the glass brings almost nothing. Lightly pressing with a muddler releases essential oils and juice without making the vegetable bitter – that only happens if you work too roughly. Some bars use Hendrick’s because of its cucumber botanicals, but a classic London Dry brings the necessary juniper backbone so the drink doesn’t turn into lemonade. The ratio of soda to gin should not exceed 2:1, otherwise the spirit presence is lost.
Variations
- Bombay Basil Crush — basil instead of mint, plus 1 cl elderflower syrup – surprisingly good with peppery gins
- Spicy Bombay Crush — muddle 2–3 thin slices of green chili, use agave syrup instead of sugar – for those who like it spicier
- Elderflower Crush — 1.5 cl elderflower liqueur instead of sugar syrup, reduce gin to 4 cl – more floral, slightly sweeter
Frequently asked questions
Can I use English cucumber?
Yes, it has even fewer seeds and more flesh. Salad cucumber is just the standard because it’s widely available.
Why crushed ice instead of ice cubes?
Crushed ice cools faster and dilutes the drink more evenly – for Highballs with soda it’s the better choice because the carbonation lasts longer.
How much mint is too much?
More than 12 leaves makes the drink grassy. Better to use less and muddle properly than to throw in half the plant.
Can I use tonic instead of soda?
Yes, but it makes the drink sweeter and more bitter – then it’s better to skip the sugar syrup and just work with lime.
