Built Vodka Cucumber Basil Spritz
A light, herbaceous spritz combining vodka, fresh cucumber, and basil topped with sparkling water for a crisp, garden-inspired refresher. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together vodka, fresh cucumber juice, fresh lemon juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh cucumber juice
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz basil simple syrup
- 2 oz sparkling water
- 3 leaves fresh basil leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a rocks glass, gently muddle 3 fresh basil leaves with 1/2 oz basil simple syrup to release aroma.
- Step 2: Fill the glass with ice cubes to the top.
- Step 3: Pour in 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh cucumber juice, and 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice.
- Step 4: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20 seconds to combine without losing carbonation.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz sparkling water, and give one gentle stir just to integrate.
- Step 6: Garnish by slapping a basil leaf between your hands to release fragrance and resting it on top alongside a thin cucumber ribbon curled inside the glass.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Built Vodka Cucumber Basil Spritz take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Built Vodka Cucumber Basil Spritz?
Refrigerate any leftover built vodka cucumber basil spritz in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Built Vodka Cucumber Basil Spritz?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Built Vodka Cucumber Basil Spritz for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Built Vodka Cucumber Basil Spritz?
Cocktails & Beverages cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
