Easy Cucumber Basil Vodka Smash Cocktail Recipe
Made with fresh cucumber, basil, Limoncello, and vodka. This refreshing and delicious vodka smash recipe is a perfect cocktail for summertime.
On those hot summer days, making a revitalizing adult beverage just seems to make sense! Today I’m sharing how to make this quick and easy adult beverage.
Ordinarily, at this time of the season, my sweet husband and I try to slow life down. Even if it is for a little bit. With both of us still working and not retired, I find it is important to enjoy the days of summer. They seem to pass all too quickly.
One way for us to do that is to head to our porch and rocking chairs after supper each night.
Many times while we sip out of our low ball glasses we find ourselves planning outings, or just being thankful for what we share and have with each other.
I’ll often add a side bowl of fresh strawberries, goat cheese, and a few crackers as an after-dinner snack just to linger a little bit longer. I hope to encourage you to do the same. Take the time. Enjoy the small moments.
This post is intended for those over 21 years old.
What is vodka smash?
Originally, the term ‘smash’ dates back to the mid-1800’s. Smash means in the form of juice or fruit as done with a muddler. A smash cocktail typically has sugar, mint, spirits, and extra fruit as a garnish or juice.
What is a muddler used for?
Similar to a mortar and pestle, a muddler is a bartending tool used to mash or smash ingredients for a cocktail. Moreover, mint leaves will be muddled for making a mojito during the warmer cocktail season.
Ingredients you will need
- Cucumber
- Basil leaves
- Ice
- Vodka
- Limoncello
- Sugar
- Club Soda or San pellegrino
- (optional sprig of mint, or lime)
How to make cucumber basil smash?
First, using a muddler in a cocktail shaker, smash the cucumber, sugar, and basil leaves gently. Muddling should break down the juices of the basil and cucumber slices. Next, fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
Next, pour 2 ounces vodka and then 2 ounces of limoncello over ice cubes according to measurements. (For my families Limoncello recipe click here)
Finally, shake or stir and then strain and pour into an old fashioned glass. Top with club soda, tonic water, or San Pellegrino. Serves one.
Alternative options
- A lime slice or mint sprig maybe be used as a garnish.
- Alcohol, club soda, or San Pellegrino may be adjusted to your liking
- For a non-alcoholic beverage, replace the vodka with club soda, and the limoncello with lemonade.
Cucumber Basil Vodka Smash Recipe
Easy Cucumber Basil Vodka Smash Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Cucumber slices
- 5 – 8 Basil leaves
- 2 oz Vodka
- 2 oz Limoncello
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Pour over ice and top with club soda, tonic water or San Pellegrino
- Garnish with basil leaf or cucumber slice
Instructions
- Using a muddler in a cocktail shaker, smash the cucumber, sugar, and basil leaves gently. Muddling should break down the juices of the basil and cucumber slices.
- Next, fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
- Next, pour 2 ounces vodka and then 2 ounces of limoncello over ice cubes according to measurements.
- Finally, shake or stir and then strain and pour into an old fashioned glass. Top with club soda, tonic water, or San Pellegrino. (As an option: lime slice or mint sprig maybe be used as a garnish. Serves one.
Notes
If you would like more basil recipes, check these out.
A Quick and Healthy Pesto Recipe You Can Make in 10 Minutes
Best Potting Soil for Indoor Herbs to Grow: Top 7 Brands
This pink lemonade vodka recipe is another delicious summer beverage. The full recipe is here.
Shop & Source
I hope you enjoy this delicious cocktail. What’s more, it’s sure to get a 5 star rating, especially on a hot summer night!
Lastly, thank you so much for following along. If you try this cucumber smash recipe out, I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it. Please come back and leave a comment below! Thank you.
What Herbs Go with Rosemary: A Fresh Flavor Guide
Today I’m sharing What Herbs Go with Rosemary the Best? A fresh flavor guide to help you decipher how to mix your companion plants. Growing up, I was fortunate to spend countless hours in my Italian grandfather’s garden. It was a sprawling paradise filled with an abundance of fresh herbs, vegetables, and grapevines. One of my fondest memories is of my grandfather carrying a salt shaker in his pocket. He would wander through the rows of tomatoes, pluck one straight off the vine, sprinkle it with salt, and enjoy it right there in the garden. I still believe this is the best way to enjoy a fresh tomato. His pride in his garden was evident in his meticulous care of every plant, and his joy in sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends was contagious.
Essential Herbs for Italian Cooking: Best Spices and Tips
Growing up in an Italian household, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by the enticing aroma of homemade tomato sauce on the stove. My grandmother, Antonia, was the heart of our kitchen, creating the most mouth-watering dishes that brought our family together. One of the secrets to her incredible Italian food was her use of fresh, homegrown herbs….
Best Italian Greens and Beans Recipe: Sausage and Parmesan
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that screams comfort food and Italian flair, look no further! Our Best Italian Greens and Beans Recipe with Sausage and Parmesan checks all the boxes. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it uses only one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Best Pizza on Hilton Head Island: Giuseppi’s 15-Year Favorite
Every year for the past fifteen years, our family has packed our bags, and headed to our favorite vacation spot: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This beautiful island, known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and world-class golf courses, has always been our go-to destination for relaxation and family bonding. Over the years, we’ve explored many Hilton Head restaurants, indulging in mouthwatering seafood, savoring fresh oysters, and dining at Michael Anthony’s on our last night. But no trip to Hilton Head would be complete without a visit to our favorite pizza place, and the Best Pizza on Hilton Head Island: Giuseppi’s 15-year favorite.
How to Hang Paste the Wall Wallpaper: Best Tips
When it came time to give my guest bath a new look I knew it would require adding wallpaper. No matter the latest trend, I love the look of a wallpapered room. I always have. I know that trends come and go and I’m here to tell you, that wallpaper is back in style which only means one thing. I’m a happy girl.
Easy 4th of July Patriotic Tablescape Ideas
Looking for easy 4th of July Patriotic tablescape ideas to create a beautiful patriotic tablescape? Wait till you see these fun ideas!
How did you know that cucumber cocktails are my favorite? I have pinned it for reference. I can’t wait to try it.
I hope you like it! I didn’t know you liked cucumber cocktails! 🙂
I can’t wait to make this cocktail!! Looks delicious and very pretty, too!
It is very refreshing. I love adding the San Pellegrino to it.
Yum! This sounds delicious!
thank you Renae! 🙂
Sounds good Susan, do you know if you can you leave out the vodka and it will taste the same? Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Per your taste, possbile try the San Pellegrino or club soda rather than the extra vodka. If you prefer Gin may be used also.
Coming over now, my friend! =)
One day, for sure! I would love it!