I started making this cucumber cocktail on a hot afternoon when I wanted a drink but didn’t want anything heavy or sugary. I had cucumbers in the fridge that were about to get ignored again, and I figured why not try blending them into something useful.
The first version was not perfect. I added too much syrup, didn’t strain it well, and ended up with something closer to a salad smoothie than a cocktail. But once I fixed those mistakes, this became one of those drinks I keep coming back to.
It’s clean, fresh, a little floral, and just strong enough to remind you it’s still a cocktail.
There’s something about cucumber that makes a drink feel instantly cooling. Not minty. Not citrusy. Just calm. It’s the kind of flavor that doesn’t fight with anything else in the glass.
When I add elderflower liqueur, it gives this soft floral note that makes the drink feel a little more special without trying too hard. Lime keeps it bright, vodka keeps it simple, and suddenly it tastes like something you’d pay too much for at a restaurant.
The difference is, I can make four of these at home for the cost of one, and I don’t have to put on real shoes.
I wash the cucumbers, dry them, and slice off the ends. Then I cut them into thick chunks. No need to be precise here. They’re getting blended anyway.
I leave the skin on because that’s where a lot of the flavor is, and honestly I don’t feel like peeling anything when I’m making a drink.
I toss the cucumber pieces into a blender and let it run until everything looks like a green puree. If there are chunks left, keep blending. Chunks mean less juice later.
This step always smells amazing. Fresh and grassy in the best way.
I pour the puree through a mesh bag or fine strainer set over a bowl. Then I squeeze. And keep squeezing. You’ll be surprised how much juice comes out.
The leftover pulp looks dramatic but it’s done its job. I discard it and focus on that fresh juice.
Into a shaker, I add the vodka, elderflower liqueur, cucumber juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. I try not to eyeball this too much because balance matters here.
If I know I want it less sweet, I pull back slightly on the syrup.
I add a handful of ice, close the shaker, and shake for about 10 seconds. Not a polite shake. A real shake. This chills everything and mixes the flavors properly.
The outside of the shaker should feel very cold in your hands.
I strain it over fresh ice in a glass. Sometimes I don’t bother and just pour everything in, what bartenders call dirty ice. At home, nobody complains.
The color comes out naturally pale green, which makes it look fancy without any effort.
Use English cucumbers if you can find them. They’re less bitter and give more juice. I tried regular cucumbers once and the flavor just wasn’t as clean.
Fresh lime juice matters more than you think. Bottled juice makes the drink taste dull, and this cocktail depends on brightness.
You can make the cucumber juice ahead of time, which is what I usually do. I keep it in the fridge for up to a day, or freeze it in small portions so I can thaw just what I need.
Freezing it in ice cube trays works great. It’s like having cocktail prep already done for you.
Don’t overdo the simple syrup. This drink is supposed to be refreshing, not sugary. You should taste cucumber first, not sweetness.
If the drink tastes flat, it almost always needs a tiny splash more lime, not more alcohol.
I usually make this when friends come over and I want something that feels a little thoughtful without requiring actual effort. It’s also my go-to when the weather is warm and heavy drinks sound terrible.
Sometimes I garnish with a thin cucumber slice if I’m feeling put together. Most of the time I skip it and nobody notices.
This cocktail also works really well for small gatherings because you can batch it. Having cucumber juice ready means you can mix several glasses quickly without playing bartender all night.
What I like most is that it doesn’t taste manufactured. It tastes real. Fresh. Like something made on purpose instead of poured from a mix.
And honestly, once you start keeping cucumber juice in your freezer, you’ll find yourself making this more often than you expected. I definitely did.
This Cucumber Cocktail is refreshing, slightly sweet, and features the most delicious all-natural flavor from fresh cucumber juice. It combines elderflower liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, homemade cucumber juice, and the perfect amount of vodka for a perfectly balanced, boozy kick. Ideal for sunny days, parties, or whenever you need a cool, crisp drink without leaving home.
Servings 1
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.