The Cucumber Vodka Soda is clean, crisp, and super refreshing. Fresh cucumber adds a cool, mellow flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoothness of vodka and the light fizz of soda water. It’s low on sweetness, high on refreshment, and perfect for hot days or when you want something light without sacrificing flavor. A squeeze of lime or a sprig of mint can add an extra touch, but even on its own, this drink keeps things simple and easy to sip. It’s a go-to for anyone who likes their cocktails straightforward and fresh.
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Tasting Notes
The Cucumber Vodka Soda is a supremely refreshing cocktail that’s light, crisp, and delicately balanced. Fresh cucumber juice delivers a cool, hydrating flavor, complemented by the tartness of fresh lime juice. Vodka provides a clean, smooth backbone, while a touch of simple syrup adds just enough sweetness to round everything out. Topped with lively seltzer water and served over crushed ice, this drink is the epitome of cool, vibrant refreshment. Garnished with cucumber and lime slices, it’s the perfect cocktail for sunny afternoons, wellness-focused events, or whenever you’re craving something fresh, fizzy, and totally revitalizing.
Equipment and Glassware
Crafting a Cucumber Vodka Soda is quick and easy with just a few basic tools. Use a jigger for precise measurements to balance the bright and refreshing flavors. A cocktail shaker is optional but can be used to chill and mix the cucumber juice, lime juice, vodka, and simple syrup before topping with seltzer. Serve in a highball glass or Collins glass filled with crushed ice to keep the drink cool and sparkling. A paring knife or vegetable peeler is helpful for slicing thin cucumber and lime garnishes to finish the drink beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 oz cucumber juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Seltzer water (to top)
- Garnish: lime slice or cucumber slice
Instructions
- Shake: In a shaker filled with ice, combine cucumber juice, lime juice, vodka, and simple syrup. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with crushed ice.
- Top: Fill with seltzer water and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish: Add lime or cucumber slices for a refreshing finish.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh cucumber juice—blend peeled cucumbers and strain through a fine mesh sieve for the purest flavor.
- Choose a smooth, clean vodka like Tito’s Handmade, Ketel One, or Absolut to let the fresh ingredients shine.
- Adjust simple syrup to taste depending on your sweetness preference or the natural sweetness of your cucumbers.
- Always chill your glass beforehand for maximum refreshment.
- For an herbal twist, muddle a few mint leaves with the cucumber juice before adding the other ingredients.
- Sparkling mineral waters like Topo Chico or Fever-Tree Club Soda offer lively, crisp bubbles.
When to Serve
The Cucumber Vodka Soda is perfect for warm weather occasions—think summer barbecues, rooftop parties, spa days, brunches, or poolside lounging. Its light and refreshing profile also makes it ideal for health-conscious events, garden parties, or as a palate cleanser before a meal. It’s an excellent low-calorie cocktail option for guests who prefer something bright and not overly sweet. Whether you’re entertaining or simply unwinding after a long day, this cocktail delivers a clean, crisp, and thirst-quenching experience.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Choose a smooth vodka such as Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Ketel One, or Grey Goose for a clean flavor that complements the cucumber and lime.
- For seltzer, opt for Topo Chico, Perrier, or Fever-Tree Club Soda to keep the drink lively and crisp.
- Make fresh simple syrup at home (1:1 sugar to water) for the purest taste.
- Organic English cucumbers are ideal for juicing, as they are seedless and mild.
- Fresh, juicy limes bring the perfect tartness to balance the refreshing cucumber and effervescent finish.
Similar Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz lime juice
- 2 oz cucumber juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Seltzer water to top
- Garnish: lime slices and cucumber slices
Instructions
- Shake: In a shaker filled with ice, combine cucumber juice, lime juice, vodka, and simple syrup. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with crushed ice.
- Top: Fill with seltzer water and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish: Add lime and cucumber slices for a refreshing finish.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh, seedless cucumber for the cleanest, brightest flavor.
- Chill your seltzer water before using to maintain the cocktail’s crispness.
- Add a sprig of mint for an extra aromatic touch.