Today I have a fabulous cocktail recipe for you all – because I’m thinking its about time for summer cocktails on the patio. This weekend is the official beginning to summer, right?
I am honestly not a huge “cocktail” drinker, but if it involves cucumbers, my interest is piqued.
My interest was more than piqued when I found a recipe for a Cucumber, Basil & Mint Soda. I added the vodka on my own – sometimes it makes life a little more interesting. 😉
Simple syrup was surprisingly easy to make – and I love that I have the control over how sweet I make it. Because I don’t like overly sweet food/drinks, I used about half the sugar that is typically used in simple syrups. The Taster has also requested that we have home-made simple syrup in the house at all times.
Cucumber, Basil & Mint Vodka Spritzer – 1 serving – inspired by Bon Appetit
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz cucumber, basil and mint simple syrup (see below)
- soda water
- garnish of cucumber slices, basil and mint leaves
Fill glass with ice, pour vodka and simple syrup over ice. Top with soda water and garnish.
Cucumber, Basil & Mint Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 english cucumber, sliced
- 1 oz mint leaves
- 1 oz basil leaves
Heat sugar and water over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved.
Bring to a boil, add cucumber and herbs to sugar mixture.
Cover and let steep for at least 1/2 hour.
Strain out syrup mixture, reserving all liquid.
Enjoy!
Anna Weedman
Yes, this recipe was amazing Emily! So fresh and clean tasting… not super sugary like so many of these cocktails can be. Problem is, I can drink more of them then! 🙂 And it just so happens the two herbs I have growing are mint and basil! You’ll have to try the simple syrup infused with ginger from your engagement party drink!
Emily
Yes, I can’t believe I didn’t realize that is how you made that! So many simple syrups to make!
Tiffany @ Simply Shaka
This sounds cool and refreshing–the perfect summertime drink!
Emma
Interesting! I’m always on the lookout for “clean cocktails”. I wonder if you tried steeping the vodka in the cucumber, basil and mint for a couple of hours if you would need to add the sugar, or if the infusion would still be there just less refined? I sometimes make cocktails with chilled green tea and natural soda water-it’s super refreshing like this drink sounds too!
Emily
Emma – my fiance and I are huge infused vodka fans – the process does take a little longer though! Here is a recipe for pineapple infused vodka that we made a while back: http://anutritionisteats.com/pineapple-infused-vodka/ but the possibilities are endless!
Katie@Cozydelicious
This looks fantastic! And I lov ethat you serve it in a mason jar – so cute!
Holly @ The Runny Egg
That sounds/looks so refreshing!
Megan (Braise The Roof)
Yum, this looks so refreshing! I’m glad to see that you’re a Ketel One girl- so am I. All the cool kids drink Ketel. 😉
kate
yum! i love combining strange flavors. this sounds really good. we just got in a lemonaid drink mix sweetened with honey and flavored with lavendar and mint. i love summer!!!
Emily
Oooh, I’ll have to stop by soon! We loved the one we had last fall. I hope you have been doing lots of celebrating!!
Mo
I can’t wait to try this. It sounds so refreshing and light. Perfect for our 100 + degree days that have started up again.
Emily
Oh gosh, already?! It was a chilly 55 degrees this morning here in Minnesota. Do you have a summer trip planned to come visit?
Maris (In Good Taste)
This is so simple yet so refreshing and elegant a drink!
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum
Emily this looks so refreshing! Yum! I can just taste the coolness in my mouth. Mmmm. Especially love the picture with the skyline. 🙂
Stephanie @cookinfanatic
this sounds like the most perfect summer drink! i love it!
Amy
Looks so refreshing!I love it in the ball jar too that’s so cute!
Michelle {The Lively Kitchen}
I would pay you $20 bucks for one of those right now. $25 if you’d watch my kids while I drink it in peace. 🙂
This recipe is getting printed out and made this week…..
Emily
Michelle – I will make it for you and then watch your kids. 🙂