Light, herbal, and delightfully refreshing, the Cucumber Basil Fizz is the perfect cocktail for warm days or when you crave something clean and crisp. Fresh cucumber and basil provide a cooling herbal base, balanced with bright lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup for just the right amount of sweetness. Topped with club soda, this effervescent drink is as elegant as it is easy to make.
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Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka or Gin (Gin adds more botanical depth, vodka keeps it clean)
- 3–4 Cucumber Slices (Fresh and cooling)
- 4–5 Fresh Basil Leaves (Or swap for mint for a different herbal twist)
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice (Adds a bright citrusy balance)
- ½ oz Simple Syrup (Adjust to taste for sweetness)
- Club Soda (For a crisp, bubbly finish)
- Ice Cubes
Garnish
- Cucumber Ribbon (Use a peeler to create a long, elegant strip)
- Basil Sprig (For an aromatic touch)
Instructions
1. Muddle the Ingredients
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber slices and fresh basil leaves to release their flavors.
(If you like a stronger herbal kick, muddle extra basil!)
2. Mix the Drink
- Add vodka or gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill with ice cubes and shake vigorously until well chilled.
3. Strain & Serve
- Strain into a rocks glass or highball glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Top & Garnish
- Top with club soda for a bubbly, refreshing finish.
- Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and a sprig of basil for an elegant touch.
5. Sip & Enjoy! 🍸
- Serve immediately and enjoy this crisp, cooling cocktail.
Pro Tip: Want to level it up? Add a splash of elderflower liqueur or dry vermouth for extra depth!
Notes
- For a smoother drink, strain out cucumber and basil bits using a fine mesh strainer.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
- If you love extra bubbles, increase the club soda to taste.
Helpful Tips
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh cucumber, basil, and lemon juice make a huge difference in flavor.
Experiment with Different Herbs – Try mint, thyme, or rosemary for a unique twist.
Make It Frozen – Blend with ice for a slushy version on extra-hot days.
Conservation and Storage
Best Served Fresh: This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after mixing.
Make-Ahead Option: You can pre-mix the alcohol, lemon juice, and simple syrup and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add fresh cucumber, basil, and club soda just before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Gin Lovers: Use gin instead of vodka for a more botanical twist.
Healthier Sweetener: Swap simple syrup for honey syrup or agave nectar.
Citrusy Upgrade: Add a splash of grapefruit juice for a tangy twist.
Non-Alcoholic Mocktail: Skip the alcohol and use cucumber-infused sparkling water instead!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store the pre-mixed base (vodka/gin, lemon juice, simple syrup) in an airtight bottle for up to 1 day.
- Avoid Dilution: Don’t add ice or club soda until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use tonic water instead of club soda?
Yes! Tonic water adds a slight bitterness, making it a great alternative for a more complex flavor.
2. What’s the best gin for this cocktail?
Try a London Dry Gin (like Tanqueray or Beefeater) for crisp botanicals or a cucumber-forward gin like Hendrick’s for a smooth, refreshing twist.
3. Can I make this drink less sweet?
Yes! Reduce the simple syrup to ¼ oz or eliminate it entirely if you prefer a drier cocktail.
4. What’s the best way to create a cucumber ribbon?
Use a vegetable peeler to slice a long, thin strip from a fresh cucumber. Wrap it around the inside of your glass or skewer it for an elegant garnish.
Conclusion
The Cucumber Basil Fizz is a crisp, light, and incredibly refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, cooling off on a hot day, or just looking for a beautifully crafted drink, this recipe is a must-try.
Love fresh, herbal cocktails? Try these next:
➡️ Gin Basil Smash
➡️ Cucumber Mint Mojito
➡️ Elderflower Collins
Made this drink? Share your creations on Pinterest or Instagram and tag us! Cheers!
Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Modern, Herbal
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Keywords: Cucumber Cocktail, Basil Cocktail, Refreshing Gin Drink, Summer Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker – For mixing and chilling.
- Muddler – To extract fresh flavors from basil and cucumber.
- Strainer – For a smooth pour.
- Highball or Rocks Glass – Depending on your preference.
- Peeler – For creating elegant cucumber ribbons.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg