Cucumber-Basil Vodka Collins
A light and herbaceous Collins cocktail combining fresh cucumber and basil with vodka and sparkling water for a crisp finish. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 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
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh cucumber juice
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 3 oz sparkling water
- 4 leaves, torn fresh basil leaves
- 3, for garnish cucumber slices
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 torn fresh basil leaves in a cocktail shaker and gently muddle for 10 seconds to release their aroma.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup of ice cubes along with 2 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh cucumber juice, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled and fragrant.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 3 oz sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with 3 thin cucumber slices layered on top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cucumber-Basil Vodka Collins take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Cucumber-Basil Vodka Collins?
Refrigerate any leftover cucumber-basil vodka collins 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 Cucumber-Basil 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 Cucumber-Basil 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 Cucumber-Basil Vodka Collins?
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.
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