Summer is finally here, and what better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing drink? Cucumber vodka is a match made in heaven, combining the coolness of cucumbers with the crispness of vodka. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a way to unwind after a long day, these 20 cucumber vodka recipes are sure to quench your thirst.
From classic martinis to fruity cocktails and fizzy sodas, we’ve got a recipe for every taste bud. And the best part? These drinks are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or evening. So go ahead, get creative with cucumbers and vodka, and make this summer one to remember!
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Cucumber Vodka Martini with Fresh Mint
A refreshing twist on the classic martini, this recipe combines the coolness of cucumber and mint with the crispness of vodka.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber
– Handful of fresh mint leaves
– Ice
– Lime wheel (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the sliced cucumber to the shaker and muddle gently to release its flavor and aroma.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Spicy Cucumber Vodka Cocktail with Jalapeño
A refreshing twist on the classic vodka cocktail, this Spicy Cucumber Vodka Cocktail with Jalapeño combines the coolness of cucumber and lime juice with a spicy kick from jalapeño peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 cup fresh cucumber slices
– 1/2 lime, juiced
– 1/4 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Salt for rimming glass
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Muddle cucumber slices and lime juice in the glass.
3. Add vodka, jalapeño pepper, and simple syrup to the glass.
4. Fill the glass with ice and stir well.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve as soon as you’ve prepared all the ingredients.
Cucumber Vodka Lemonade with Basil
A refreshing twist on classic lemonade, this recipe combines the coolness of cucumber and vodka with the brightness of lemon juice, all tied together with a hint of basil. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique cocktail for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup vodka (preferably citrus-flavored)
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup.
2. Add the cucumber slices to the pitcher and stir gently.
3. Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in chopped basil leaves.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour Cucumber Vodka Lemonade over ice.
Cooking Time: None (chill time included)
Cool Cucumber Vodka Soda with Lime
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on classic vodka soda! This recipe combines the crisp flavor of cucumber, the zing of lime, and a hint of sweetness to create the perfect summer sipper.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 4 oz soda water
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (or to taste)
• Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, cucumber slices, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Muddle the ingredients together gently to release the cucumber’s flavor and texture.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water and stir briefly.
6. Add simple syrup to taste, if desired.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in minutes.
Cucumber Vodka Gin Fizz
Refresh your summer with this revitalizing Cucumber Vodka Gin Fizz, perfect for hot days and warm gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz cucumber-infused vodka (see note)
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Splash of soda water
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Thin slice of cucumber, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and thin slice of cucumber.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Cucumber Vodka Mojito with Fresh Herbs
A refreshing twist on the classic mojito, this cucumber vodka mojito combines the coolness of cucumbers and mint with a hint of herbal flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka (use a cucumber-infused or regular vodka)
– 1/2 lime, juiced
– 2-3 sprigs fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/2 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– Sparkling water
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the lime juice and sprigs of mint with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release oils and flavors.
2. Add vodka, cilantro, basil, and cucumber slices to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with additional mint leaves, cilantro, and cucumber slices, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! Enjoy immediately.
Zesty Cucumber Vodka Collins
Refresh your summer with this revitalizing cocktail that combines the crispness of cucumber, the zing of lime, and the smoothness of vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 cup fresh cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber slices with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavor.
2. Add the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Cucumber Vodka Spritzer with Elderflower
Elevate your summer gatherings with this light and revitalizing drink, perfect for hot days and warm nights.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz elderflower-flavored sparkling water
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– Juice of 1 lime
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine diced cucumber and juice of 1 lime.
2. Add vodka and stir to combine.
3. Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, pour elderflower-flavored sparkling water into the pitcher.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Cucumber Vodka Spritzer over the ice.
7. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Cucumber Vodka Bloody Mary with Horseradish
Elevate your brunch game with this refreshing take on the classic Bloody Mary, featuring the subtle heat of horseradish and crisp cucumber.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups tomato juice
– 1 cup vodka
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup horseradish sauce
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Ice
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, tomato juice, lime juice, horseradish sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Stir in diced cucumber.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Cucumber Vodka Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
A refreshing twist on the classic margarita, this recipe combines the cooling flavors of cucumber and vodka with a spicy kick from chili salt.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces vodka
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Chili powder (for making chili salt)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with chili salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into a shallow dish of chili powder mixed with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lime juice, and triple sec. Fill with ice.
3. Add diced cucumber to the shaker and muddle gently to release flavors.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into prepared glass filled with ice.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Cucumber Vodka Cosmopolitan with Cranberry
A refreshing twist on the classic Cosmopolitan cocktail, this recipe combines the crisp taste of cucumber and cranberry with the smoothness of vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz triple sec
– 1/2 oz cranberry juice
– 1/4 oz lime juice
– 1/4 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– Splash of sparkling water
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Muddle the sliced cucumber in the mixture until well combined.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, just shake and serve!
Cucumber Vodka Sangria with Fresh Berries
Refresh your summer gatherings with this light and fruity sangria, perfect for sipping on a warm evening. This recipe combines the cooling flavors of cucumber and mint with sweet berries and crisp vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work well)
– 1/2 cup vodka
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2-3 ripe cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 pint mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Sliced cucumber and mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine wine, vodka, and simple syrup.
2. Add the sliced cucumbers and let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Just before serving, stir in fresh mint leaves and add mixed berries.
4. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with sliced cucumber and mint.
Cooking Time: None
Cucumber Vodka Smash with Ginger and Honey
Refresh your summer with this refreshing twist on the classic vodka smash. This cucumber-infused cocktail is perfect for hot days by the pool or a backyard BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and honey, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin coins
– Splash of sparkling water
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Cucumber slice and mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the sliced cucumber and ginger with simple syrup until well combined.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, and ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
4. Top with sparkling water.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel, cucumber slice, and mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None needed! Just shake and serve.
Cucumber Vodka Paloma with Grapefruit
Refresh your palate with this revitalizing twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, featuring cucumber and grapefruit.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Muddle the diced cucumber in a cocktail shaker to release its flavors and oils.
3. Add vodka, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None!
Cucumber Vodka Sunrise with Orange Juice
This refreshing cocktail combines the coolness of cucumber with the warmth of vodka and a hint of orange juice, perfect for a sunny morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup cucumber-mint puree (see note)
– 2 oz orange juice
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add cucumber-mint puree and shake until well combined.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with orange juice and soda water.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make cucumber-mint puree, combine 1/2 cup peeled and seeded cucumber, 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, and 1 tablespoon simple syrup in a blender. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids.
Cucumber Vodka Mimosa with Prosecco
A refreshing twist on the classic mimosa, this recipe combines the crispness of cucumber and vodka with the effervescence of Prosecco.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups Prosecco
– 1/4 cup vodka (infused with sliced cucumbers for at least 30 minutes)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Thinly sliced cucumber, for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka-infused vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into glasses filled with ice.
5. Top each glass off with Prosecco.
6. Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Cucumber Vodka Punch with Pineapple Juice
Cucumber Vodka Punch with Pineapple Juice Recipe
This refreshing summer punch combines the coolness of cucumber and vodka with the sweetness of pineapple juice, perfect for hot days or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups vodka (such as Stolichnaya or Absolut)
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the cucumber slices with the vodka until the cucumber is well-infused and the mixture has a pale green color.
2. Add the pineapple juice and stir to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in the lemon-lime soda.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over the ice.
6. Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cucumber Vodka Iced Tea with Lemon
Beat the heat with this unique and revitalizing twist on traditional iced tea. This refreshing drink combines the cooling flavors of cucumber, vodka, and lemon for a perfect summer sipper.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart brewed tea (black or green)
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup vodka
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices and cucumber wheels for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled tea, sliced cucumber, and vodka. Stir well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Cucumber Vodka Iced Tea over the ice.
6. Garnish with lemon slices and cucumber wheels, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (prep time) + chilling time
Cucumber Vodka Tonic with Cucumber Ribbons
Refresh your senses with this light and crisp cocktail featuring cucumber ribbons as a garnish.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz tonic water
– Juice of 1 lime
– Thin slices of cucumber for garnish (see below for cucumber ribbon instructions)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka and top with tonic water.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with cucumber ribbons, as described below.
Cucumber Ribbon Instructions:
1. Peel a cucumber and slice into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Place the cucumber slices on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Microwave for 30-45 seconds or until slightly softened and pliable.
4. Remove from microwave and carefully roll each slice into a cylinder shape.
Cucumber Vodka Slushie with Mint Syrup
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on a classic slushie! This cucumber-infused vodka slushie is perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups cubed fresh cucumber
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup mint syrup (see below for recipe)
– 1 1/2 cups vodka
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges (optional)
Mint Syrup:
– 1 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup simple syrup
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine cucumber, simple syrup, and mint syrup. Blend until smooth.
2. Add vodka and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or mintiness as needed.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep), 0 seconds (blend)
Enjoy your cooling cucumber vodka slushie!
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these refreshing cucumber vodka recipes. From classic cocktails to fruity twists, there’s something for everyone. Try a Cucumber Vodka Martini with fresh mint or a Spicy Cucumber Vodka Cocktail with jalapeño. For a twist on tradition, mix a Cucumber Vodka Lemonade with basil or a Cool Cucumber Vodka Soda with lime. With recipes ranging from sweet to savory, you’re sure to find the perfect drink for your next outdoor gathering or relaxing evening at home.