Warm days call for something extra refreshing and this Cucumber Cocktail with Basil is just that! Fresh herbs are a great way to add a ton of flavor. And they smell AMAZING! I think you'll really like this easy vodka drink idea.
I was sent a bottle of American Harvest Vodka to create this cucumber cocktail with.
I don't know why vodka recipes seem so perfect for warmer weather but they are my go-to cocktails when temperatures heat up. Vodka is versatile and pairs really well with all kinds of flavors.
Jump to:
Why this Recipe Works
Um, yeah. Cucumber. Lime. Basil. Each of those things screams refreshing to me. Put them together in a cocktail and, of course, you aren't going to hate it.
This easy Cucumber Cocktail with basil and vodka is pretty much guilt-free. But let me tell you a funny story really quickly.
There is just something about making cocktails with cucumber that is soothing and relaxing. From the smell to the taste, they are perfect in warm weather but fun to sip any time of year.
If you like a Cucumber Margarita, or Cucumber Gimlet, you'll love this easy Cucumber and Vodka cocktail.
Ingredients
The ingredients are so fresh in this drink and it smells amazing as you make it!
Grab your favorite bottle of vodka (or try American Harvest - it's delish!).
Fresh basil, lime and cucumber round everything out. I usually have all of these ingredients on hand in the summer so it's a quick drink to throw together for any happy hour.
How to Make a Cucumber Cocktail with Basil
I sliced up the cucumbers, quartered the limes, and got almost through the entire recipe before I realized...
This drink is pretty much straight vodka.
Like, there is a little bit of lime juice and a tiny bit of cucumber juice from the muddling but it's pretty much a big old cup of icy cold vodka. (It's actually really close to my recipe for a Cucumber Gimlet).
I'm a total lightweight. I prefer something that has a large ratio of mixer to alcohol like most Moscow Mules recipes. So I was super concerned that I would not like it and be drunk just from one sip.
I am happy to report that while the cocktail was definitely on the stronger side (again, the whole thing is pretty much vodka) the taste was fantastic!
The basil, cucumber, and lime took the edge off but the real star is the American Harvest Vodka. For real.
I wouldn't just say that since they sent me a bottle of vodka.
I could totally see drinking these throughout the summer. Like, really slowly. Over several hours. With lots of food in my stomach. And a babysitter for the kids. And some Drinkwel.
But I have heard that organic vodkas are not as likely to induce a hangover...
What I loved most about this cucumber cocktail is that the flavors are so crisp and clean. The ice made this super easy to sip and the fragrance from the basil and cucumber made it really enjoyable from start to finish.
It goes to show that with the right brand of spirit, you might like something you were never a huge fan of before (which also happened with me and whiskey).
I love a good cucumber cocktail, don't you? You're going to want to make this. But do it responsibly! This will knock you on your buns if you aren't careful!
Tips
- Freaked out about the straight vodka? Try adding some club soda. It won't change the flavor too much but will add a touch of fizz and dilute it really nicely.
- Need a little sweetness? Add a little simple syrup or basil simple syrup for even more herb flavor.
Related Posts:
- Cucumber Margarita Recipe
- Mint Cucumber Lemonade Vodka Cocktail
- Cucumber Gimlet with Vodka
- Cucumber Basil Soda Mocktail
- Basil Margarita
Cucumber Vodka Cocktail with Basil
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 3 slices fresh cucumber
- 2 leaves basil
- slice of cucumber and leaf of basil for garnish.
Instructions
- In a shaker, muddle cucumber slices, basil leaves and lime juice.
- Add ice to shaker.
- Add vodka and shake well.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
Notes
- Freaked out about the straight vodka? Try adding some club soda. It won't change the flavor too much but will add a touch of fizz and dilute it really nicely.
- Need a little sweetness? Add a little simple syrup or basil simple syrup for even more herb flavor.
Nutrition
Originally posted in June 2014. Updated for clarity so you can make this perfect every time!
Carrie Harris says
I'm a total lightweight, too, but this sounds delicious!
Sharon Garofalow says
Me too!! I would need to really sip this one. :)