Cucumber-Basil Vodka Smash
A crisp and herbaceous smash featuring muddled cucumber and fresh basil with smooth vodka and a splash of lemon. This recipe, ready in about 6 minutes, brings together vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup 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 130 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
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4 thin slices cucumber slices
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- as needed crushed ice
- 1 basil sprig
- 1 cucumber wheel
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, muddle 4 thin cucumber slices with 5 fresh basil leaves until fragrant and juice is released.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz vodka, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup to the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Fill the glass with crushed ice and stir gently for 20 seconds to chill and blend flavors.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 sprig of fresh basil and a thin cucumber wheel on the rim.
