Citrus-Cucumber Vodka Collins
A light and invigorating vodka Collins cocktail featuring fresh cucumber and citrus notes, topped with sparkling soda. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 130 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1.75 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 thin slices cucumber slices
- 2.5 oz club soda
- 1 cucumber ribbon
- as needed ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Muddle 3 thin cucumber slices gently in a shaker to release juice but avoid bitterness.
- Step 2: Add 1.75 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup to the shaker filled halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2.5 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish by coiling a long cucumber ribbon inside the glass along the outer wall for a fresh presentation.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Cucumber Vodka Collins take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Cucumber Vodka Collins?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vodka from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Cucumber Vodka Collins?
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 Citrus-Cucumber Vodka Collins 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 Citrus-Cucumber Vodka Collins?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
