Wind down on a busy evening with a refreshing Cucumber Collins Cocktail made from cucumber-infused gin, fresh citrus juice, and a splash of sparkling soda. You’ll absolutely love the fresh flavors in this drink!
Happy New Year! How are your resolutions going? Is it too soon to ask?!
I had a recent chat with friends over cocktails about whether people still publicly declare personal goals this time of year. We all mean well, but do they really last or are we putting too much pressure on ourselves with unrealistic expectations? Our general agreement was to look at the new year as a time to wipe the slate clean, start with baby steps, and make long-lasting life changes.
Part of that for me is making better-for-you food and drink choices. After a few months of indulgence, this Cucumber Collins Cocktail is a welcome change. The clean, bright flavors of cucumber and citrus blend beautifully with the natural botanicals found in gin.
While researching this idea, it was a surprise to find out a Collins is actually a family of cocktails. It’s not necessarily variations of a Tom Collins, which is essentially a sparkling gin lemonade, like I thought. The basic foundation is two ounces of liquor with sweetened citrus juice topped with soda water. When you consider different booze + sweetener options, the combinations are mind boggling!
I really wanted the drink to embody the idea of lightness and my mind immediately wandered to the refreshing flavors of the cucumber. Cukes are technically a fruit, but this member of the gourd family is usually used as a veggie and is extremely versatile. Outside of the salad realm, we see them infused in water, mashed into face masks, and today, made into a cocktail!
Cucumber Collins Cocktail Recipe
Lightly muddled slices give our drink an essence of flavor, but the real pow comes from infusing gin with fresh cucumbers. This is where things get tricky, though, because gin is essentially a neutral spirit flavored with juniper berries. Confusing right?! Unlike vodka, which is neutral, gin is going to have a distinct flavor all on its own before we add anything.
Play around with different labels to find one you like best. If all of this seems like too much, simply sub your favorite vodka for gin. To make the infusion, simply add cucumber slices to the alcohol in a lidded jar. Let it rest for 3-4 days in a cool, dry place, shaking occasionally. Strain fruit from jar and store any leftover in the refrigerator.
I also took the step of ‘lightening’ up my simple syrup by reducing the amount of sugar. Your favorite sugar substitute would work well too. What better-for-you baby steps are you taking this month?
Ingredients
- 2-3 fresh cucumber slices
- 2 ounces cucumber infused gin
- 1 ounce lightened simple syrup
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Soda water
- Cucumber slices for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Add cucumber slices and gin to a cocktail shaker, muddle lightly.
- Add sweetener, citrus juice, and ice to shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
- Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with soda water, garnish as desired.
Notes
Home Chef Tip: Lighten up simple syrup by reducing the amount of sugar or using a sugar substitute. Add 1 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar to a small sauce pan. Bring to a low boil, stir until sugar dissolves. Cool completely before using.
We hope you love this Cucumber Collins Cocktail recipe from SoFabFood Contributor, Loriann from Thyme for Cocktails, as much as we do. If you enjoyed this drink recipe, be sure to find more like it in our Cocktails section, and for daily recipe inspiration, like us on Facebook and follow us on Pinterest. Enjoy!
Disclosure: Message intended for our readers 21+ only. Please drink responsibly!
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