This cucumber vodka and tonic was originally meant to be a gin and tonic but I couldn’t bear the taste. It is still bitter with the vodka but more manageable. It is super crisp, refreshing thanks to the cucumber and great in the summer for patio parties and barbecues. It is topped with tonic water for the sparkling, spritzy taste.
The tonic water cannot be substituted as the recipe is literally named vodka and tonic. Tonic water has a different flavor compared with other sparkling beverages like club soda. The cucumber is sliced lengthwise to get longer strips. This allows you to decorate the glass with it. Use freshly squeezed limes to enhance all the flavors in this crisp cocktail and you’re good to go.
Ingredients
1/2 English cucumber, sliced lengthwise
2 oz (4 tablespoons) vodka
Splash of lime juice (optional)
4 oz (1/2 cup) chilled tonic water
Tray of ice cubes
Rosemary sprigs to garnish (optional)
Lime wedge to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Arrange 2-3 slices of the cucumber to the sides of a tall glass. Fill the glass halfway with ice.
- Mix the lime juice, vodka in the same glass and top with the tonic water.
- Stir, garnish as preferred and serve chilled.