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Cucumber Basil Vodka Collins Recipe

Cucumber Basil Vodka Collins Recipe

Crisp cucumber, aromatic basil, and clean vodka harmonize in this refreshing collins that balances herbaceous notes with bright citrus and effervescent soda.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A tall collins glass stands elegantly against a white marble bar top, capturing afternoon sunlight that illuminates the crystal-clear layers of the cocktail. Thinly sliced cucumber ribbons spiral inside the glass, intertwining with fresh basil leaves suspended throughout the drink. Perfectly clear ice cubes reflect light through the effervescent liquid, creating tiny champagne-like bubbles that rise continuously to the surface. The cocktail transitions from pale green at the bottom to a clearer tone at the top where soda water has been added. A garnish of cucumber wheel and basil sprig rests on the rim, casting gentle shadows across the condensation-beaded exterior of the glass.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml vodka</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3-4 thin cucumber slices</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5-6 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">90-120ml soda water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Cucumber wheel for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Collins glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place cucumber slices and basil leaves in the bottom of your shaker. Gently muddle to release their essential oils and flavors without completely pulverizing them - you want to extract the aromatic compounds without creating a bitter taste from over-muddling.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice to about ¾ full and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the exterior of the shaker becomes frosty, indicating proper chilling and dilution.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill a collins glass about halfway with fresh ice (larger cubes are preferable as they melt more slowly and won't dilute your drink as quickly).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Double-strain the cocktail over the ice using both your regular strainer and a fine mesh strainer to catch any small herb or cucumber particles, ensuring a clean, elegant drink without bits of muddled ingredients.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Top with soda water, leaving about 1cm of space at the top of the glass. Gently stir with a bar spoon to incorporate the soda without losing carbonation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish with a fresh cucumber wheel perched on the rim of the glass and a sprig of basil that's been lightly clapped between your palms to release its aromatic oils. The clapping technique enhances the herbaceous nose without adding bitterness to the drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is cold and the carbonation is at its peak. The combination of cucumber's cooling properties and basil's aromatic qualities creates a uniquely refreshing experience.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 12 g
🍭 Sugar: 10 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 15 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I prepare this cocktail in advance for a party?

You can prepare the base mixture (muddled ingredients with vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup) up to 24 hours ahead and store refrigerated in a sealed container. Just before serving, strain over fresh ice and top with soda water. The garnish should always be added at the last minute for maximum visual appeal and aroma.

Which type of vodka works best for herbal collins cocktails?

A clean, premium vodka with minimal flavouring works best as it provides a neutral canvas for the fresh ingredients. Avoid heavily flavoured or low-quality vodkas that might clash with the delicate cucumber and basil notes. Brands like Ketel One, Grey Goose, or Belvedere complement the herbaceous profile beautifully.

What are good variations or substitutions for this refreshing vodka cocktail?

Try substituting gin for vodka for added botanical notes, or experiment with different herbs like mint or thyme instead of basil. You can also add a splash of elderflower liqueur for floral sweetness, use cucumber-infused vodka for intensified flavour, or incorporate watermelon for a summer twist on this refreshing collins.

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