Vodka Cucumber Basil Highball
Chilled vodka infused with fresh cucumber and basil, finished with sparkling soda for a herbaceous, ultra-refreshing sip. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together Vodka, Cucumber, leaves Fresh basil 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 160 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
- 1.5 oz Vodka
- 0.25 cup Cucumber
- 3 leaves Fresh basil
- 0.25 oz Fresh lime juice
- 4 oz Soda water
- 1 cup Ice
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with 1 cup ice cubes. Add 0.25 cup thinly sliced cucumber and 3 fresh basil leaves. Gently muddle for 5 seconds with a muddler or the back of a spoon until fragrant but not crushed.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 oz vodka and 0.25 oz fresh lime juice, then top with 4 oz soda water. Stir gently for 10 seconds to combine. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon: cut a thin slice of cucumber into a spiral and place it on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vodka Cucumber Basil Highball 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 Vodka Cucumber Basil Highball?
Refrigerate any leftover vodka cucumber basil highball 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 Vodka Cucumber Basil Highball?
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 Vodka Cucumber Basil Highball 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 Vodka Cucumber Basil Highball?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & beverages 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A great balance of flavors. The cucumber and basil are a match made in heaven.
- ★★★★★
My go-to cocktail for hot days. The basil really elevates the vodka.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer parties! So refreshing and easy to make.
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