Tonic Vodka Highball with Cucumber and Mint
A crisp and aromatic vodka highball featuring cooling cucumber and fresh mint, topped with tonic water for a bubbly, herbal cocktail. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together vodka, tonic water, thin slices 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 140 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
- 5 oz tonic water
- 3 thin slices cucumber slices
- 4 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 3 thin cucumber slices and 4 fresh mint leaves at the bottom of a tall highball glass and gently muddle them with a wooden muddler for about 10 seconds to release fresh aromas.
- Step 2: Fill the glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to chill the mixture.
- Step 3: Pour 2 oz of vodka over the ice and muddled ingredients.
- Step 4: Slowly add 5 oz of tonic water, pouring gently to maintain effervescence.
- Step 5: Stir gently once to combine all flavors without losing carbonation.
- Step 6: Garnish with an additional cucumber slice and a sprig of mint for a refreshing presentation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tonic Vodka Highball with Cucumber and Mint take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Tonic Vodka Highball with Cucumber and Mint?
Refrigerate any leftover tonic vodka highball with cucumber and mint 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 Tonic Vodka Highball with Cucumber and Mint?
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 Tonic Vodka Highball with Cucumber and Mint 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 Tonic Vodka Highball with Cucumber and Mint?
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.
