Chilled Cucumber Basil Vodka Martini
A crisp and herbaceous vodka martini enhanced with fresh cucumber and basil for a clean, elegant cocktail experience. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together vodka, dry vermouth, fresh cucumber slices 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 160 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
- 2.5 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- 4 slices fresh cucumber slices
- 3 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 wheel for garnish cucumber wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 4 fresh cucumber slices and 3 fresh basil leaves to a cocktail shaker and muddle gently to release their aromas.
- Step 2: Pour 2.5 oz vodka and 0.5 oz dry vermouth into the shaker, then fill with 1 cup ice cubes.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass and garnish with 1 cucumber wheel on the rim before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chilled Cucumber Basil Vodka Martini take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Chilled Cucumber Basil Vodka Martini?
Refrigerate any leftover chilled cucumber basil vodka martini 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 Chilled Cucumber Basil Vodka Martini?
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 Chilled Cucumber Basil Vodka Martini 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 Chilled Cucumber Basil Vodka Martini?
General 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.
