Muddle cucumber and basil in a glass. Add ice. Pour cucumber vanilla infused vodka over the top and finish with seltzer. This drink tastes like a spa smells. The vanilla in the infused vodka rounds out the green, vegetal flavor of the cucumber and basil so the cocktail drinks smooth without any added sugar. This has become one of our go-to warm-weather drinks for exactly that reason.
If you cannot find cucumber vanilla infused vodka, make your own. Slice a cucumber and split a vanilla bean into a bottle of plain vodka. Wait three days. Strain. The homemade version is often better than store-bought because you control the intensity.
Tips for Cucumber Cocktails
Muddle gently
Press the cucumber slices and basil against the bottom of the glass with a muddler or spoon. You want the cucumber to release its juice and the basil to bruise, not turn into a paste. 
Over-muddled cucumber gets watery and bitter. Three or four firm presses is enough.
Top with cold seltzer
Pour the seltzer slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the fizz. Aggressive pouring kills the carbonation.
Stir once, gently. The seltzer should mix with the vodka and muddled ingredients without going flat.
Cucumber Vanilla Infused Vodka Cocktail
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
A refreshing cocktail made with cucumber and vanilla infused vodka, perfect for a hot July evening.
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) cucumber-vanilla infused vodka
- 4-5 thin cucumber slices
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves
- 4 oz (120ml) seltzer water
- Ice
- Cucumber spear for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle cucumber slices and basil leaves in the bottom of a rocks glass using the back of a wooden spoon.
- Add lots of ice to the glass.
- Pour cucumber and vanilla infused vodka over the ice.
- Top with seltzer water and stir gently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 150
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular vodka?
Yes. You will lose the vanilla undertone, but the cucumber and basil carry the drink well on their own. Add a drop of vanilla extract if you want to approximate the flavor.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Skip the vodka and use extra seltzer. Muddle the cucumber and basil the same way. A squeeze of lime juice adds acidity that compensates for the missing vodka.
How do I infuse vodka at home?
Slice half a cucumber and split one vanilla bean into 375 ml (about 1.5 cups) of vodka. Seal and refrigerate for 3 days. Strain through a coffee filter. The infused vodka keeps for a month in the fridge.
I received a bottle of this as a gift and by itself, it had a bit of a bizarre taste…I was looking for something to mix with it and this seems perfect! Can’t wait to try!
This sounds so refreshing! Love cucumber drinks, perfect for hot summer days.
this looks so refreshing..I could really use a glass right now :)