Herb-Infused Vodka Martini with Cucumber and Thyme
A crisp and herbaceous vodka martini elevated with fresh cucumber and thyme notes for a refined, garden-inspired sip. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together premium 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 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 1/2 oz premium vodka
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 3 slices fresh cucumber slices
- 1 sprig fresh thyme sprig
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 ribbon cucumber ribbon
- 1 sprig thyme sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Muddle 3 fresh cucumber slices and 1 thyme sprig gently in a mixing glass to release their aromas.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass halfway with ice cubes, then pour in 2 1/2 oz premium vodka and 1/2 oz dry vermouth.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled martini glass to remove solids.
- Step 5: Garnish by twisting a long cucumber ribbon inside the glass and resting a fresh thyme sprig atop the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Vodka Martini with Cucumber and Thyme 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 Herb-Infused Vodka Martini with Cucumber and Thyme?
Refrigerate any leftover herb-infused vodka martini with cucumber and thyme 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 Herb-Infused Vodka Martini with Cucumber and Thyme?
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 Herb-Infused Vodka Martini with Cucumber and Thyme 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 Herb-Infused Vodka Martini with Cucumber and Thyme?
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.