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Cucumber Collins | Vodka Cocktail

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Cucumber Collins Cocktail | If you're looking for a refreshing, bubbly cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day, look no further than this delightful twist on the classic Collins. This drink is perfect for sipping on the patio or serving at a backyard barbecue. The combination of crisp cucumber and smooth vodka makes for a light and refreshing drink that's perfect for any occasion.

A tapered glass holds a clear drink with cucumber ribbons in it and a mint cucumber garnish on top.
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What is a Cucumber Collins?

A Cucumber Collins is a variation of the classic Tom Collins cocktail that incorporates the refreshing flavor of cucumbers. This Cucumber Collins cocktail recipe combines gin or vodka with fresh cucumber, lemon bubbly water, and lemonade to create a light and invigorating drink that's perfect for a sunny day or a casual gathering.

How do you make a Cucumber Collins?

To make a Cucumber Collins you add fresh cucumber to a glass with ice and add vodka (or gin), lemonade, and bubbly water.

Can I use flavored vodka?

Yes, try Effen Cucumber Vodka in this cocktail or a citrus flavored vodka.

A tapered glass holds a clear drink with cucumber ribbons in it and a mint cucumber garnish on top.

Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the alcohol and add a bit more bubbly water or try a non-alcoholic Gin for a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this cocktail in a pitcher?

Yes you can pre-mix the vodka and lemonade with some cucumber slices to start their flavors mixing. When you're ready to make the drink start each glass with ice, add the vodka and lemonade mix, and then top it with bubbly water.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

Ingredients for a cucumber collins cocktail recipe lay on a white marble counter.
  • vodka: vodka has a smooth taste and goes well in this mild and refreshing cocktail.
  • lemonade: lemonade keeps up the refreshing flavor and I use that here instead of the typical lemon juice and simple syrup. I use a Calamansi Lemonade.
  • sparkling water: I use LaCroix Lemon Sparkling Water in this cocktail for even more lemony flavor.
  • cucumber: I use mini cucumbers for this cocktail because they are less watery and have fewer seeds. I cut them lengthwise into ribbons so I can swirl them around the glass for a unique look.
  • garnish: I use a cocktail pick to garnish this drink with a cucumber swirl and some mint leaves. This is optional. You could also use lemon slices.

Substitutions

  • vodka: use Gin instead which is also commonly used in a Collins drink. Try a flavored Vodka like cucumber vodka or lemon or lime vodka.
  • lemonade: try fresh lemon juice and simple syrup instead or try my Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup. For a spicy kick, try my Jalapeño Simple Syrup.
  • cucumber: instead of the Persian cucumbers (also called mini cucumbers) you can use regular English cucumbers. I would recommend deseeding them so you don't have seeds floating in your drink. You can then cut them into half moons instead of ribbons.

Instructions

Prep Tips

  • Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin strips.
Ice is dropped into a glass with cucumber ribbons along the side.

Add ice to a glass. Slide ribbons of cucumber into the glass and use the ice to help keep them pressed against the side.

Vodka is poured into a glass with cucumber ribbons along the side.

Next, add the vodka. (Or you can use gin).

Lemonade is poured into a glass with cucumber ribbons along the side.

Pour in the lemonade.

Lemon bubbly water is poured into a glass with cucumber ribbons along the side.

Fill the glass with the lemon sparkling water and serve.

How to garnish a Cucumber Collins

You can garnish a Cucumber Collins in a number of ways or just leave it without a garnish. Try these garnishes:

  • a cocktail pick with a swirl of cucumber ribbon and some fresh mint leaves
  • cucumber slices
  • lemon slices
  • lemon wedges
A tapered glass holds a clear drink with cucumber ribbons in it and a mint cucumber garnish on top.

Tips for making a Cucumber Collins

  • use a shaker: you can make this drink in a cocktail shaker by combining the lemonade, vodka, and cucumber slices with ice. Shake the drink and then pour while straining over fresh ice. Top with bubbly water and a few cucumber slices.
  • try flavored vodka: for a flavorful twist try a vodka flavored with cucumber, lime, or lemon.
  • try gin: did you know a Tom Collins cocktail is typically made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water? Try this cocktail with gin if you have it.
  • garnish: a drink always looks fancier with some kind of garnish. You can use cucumber slices, ribbon, or half moons to garnish this drink. I like a garnish of mint leaves because they always feel fancy. Lemon slices, half moons, wedges, or a twist of lemon would all be great in this vodka cocktail.

What to serve with this refreshing cucumber drink

You can enjoy this refreshing cucumber drink with a simple snack like Tortilla Chips with Guacamole or Salsa.

If you're serving this drink at a BBQ try it with Grilled Chicken Tacos for a refreshing contrast. Serve this drink with a Grilled Green Goddess Halloumi Burger for all around fresh flavors.

If you're having a summer dinner party, serve this drink with Lemon Pepper Pasta, Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta, or Fig and Goat Cheese Pizza.

Try my Raspberry Collins for a different take on this classic cocktail.

Storage

This cocktail is best served fresh but you can make a pitcher just beforehand, leaving out the carbonated water until serving. Garnishes can be cut ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

A tapered glass holds a clear drink with cucumber ribbons in it and a mint cucumber garnish on top.

FAQs

Is there a cucumber vodka?

Yes, there are cucumber flavored vodkas for sale. Check your local liquor store for cucumber flavored vodka by Effen, Crop, Pearl, Square One, Rain, Blue Spirits, and Prairie.

Is cucumber good with alcohol?

Yes, cucumber adds a refreshing and crisp flavor to drinks and is often used in cocktails. Cucumber cocktails are especially good on hot summer days, when you want a refreshing and light beverage.

What is the difference between a cucumber and a Persian cucumber?

A Persian cucumber is smaller than an English cucumber, has thin skin, is not as watery, and has fewer seeds. They are sometimes labeled mini cucumbers, or Lebanese cucumbers.

Recipe

A tapered glass holds a clear drink with cucumber ribbons in it and a mint cucumber garnish on top.
5 from 1 vote

Cucumber Vodka Cocktail

Author : Jacqueline Piper
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
A refreshing take on a Collins cocktail with vodka, lemonade, lemon bubbly water, and cucumber. The perfect summer cocktail for relaxing in the backyard.
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Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 ½ oz. Vodka
  • ½ cup lemonade I use Calamansi Lemonade
  • sparkling lemon water I use LaCroix, to fill
  • ice
  • 1 cucumber I use an Persian (mini) cucumber, sliced lengthwise
  • mint optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Slice the cucumbers into long thin strips. Add ice to a glass and then press two cucumber ribbons along the side.
  • Add the vodka, lemonade, and lemon bubbly water.
  • Optional: Garnish with either a cocktail pick with cucumber and mint on it, cucumber slices, lemon slices, or wedges.

Video

Notes

To make a pitcher ahead of time, combine the lemonade, vodka, and some cucumber in a pitcher. When you're ready to serve drinks, fill each glass with ice and garnish with cucumber ribbons. Add the lemonade mix and then top with the lemon bubbly water.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.1g | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 16g

Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.

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A tapered glass holds a clear drink with cucumber ribbons in it and a mint cucumber garnish on top with a text title for Pinterest.

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