Spiced Cucumber Vodka Collins
A crisp and cooling vodka Collins elevated with muddled cucumber and a dash of warming allspice for subtle complexity. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) 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 145 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 lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 4 slices cucumber slices
- 1/4 oz allspice dram liqueur
- 2 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 cucumber ribbon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, muddle 4 thin cucumber slices gently to release fresh juice.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup, and 1/4 oz allspice dram liqueur.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 12 seconds until frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently for 10 seconds to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish by draping 1 long cucumber ribbon vertically inside the glass and resting a thin lemon wheel on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Cucumber Vodka Collins 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 Spiced Cucumber Vodka Collins?
Refrigerate any leftover spiced cucumber 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced Cucumber Vodka Collins?
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.
