Craving something ultra refreshing that still feels a little luxe? Meet the Cucumber Elderflower Vodka Cooler. It is bright, floral, and crisp, with just enough fizz to keep every sip lively. Think spa water meets cocktail hour.
This drink delivers a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Cool cucumber and zesty fresh lime play beautifully with the delicate sweetness of elderflower liqueur, while quality vodka provides a clean backbone. It is a crowd pleaser that looks stunning and tastes like summer in a glass.
If you love easy cocktail recipes that are impressive but not intimidating, you will love this one. Grab your shaker, slice up some cucumber, and let’s make a bar quality drink at home that photographs beautifully and tastes even better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Quality vodka
- Elderflower liqueur
- Fresh lime juice
- Simple syrup
- Cucumber slices
- Club soda
- Ice
- Fresh mint or cucumber ribbon for garnish
Ingredients Breakdown
Quality vodka
Choose a clean, mid range vodka that allows the floral elderflower and fresh produce to shine. If you prefer a softer profile, a wheat based vodka is smooth and versatile.
Elderflower liqueur
Elderflower liqueur adds a light floral sweetness that feels elegant without being heavy. If you cannot find it, substitute with a splash of honey syrup and a few drops of orange blossom water for a similar vibe.
Fresh lime juice
Fresh lime juice brightens the drink and balances the gentle sweetness of elderflower. Squeeze it to order for the best aroma and a lively citrus snap.
Simple syrup
A small amount of simple syrup rounds out the tart lime and ensures a silky finish. Adjust to taste based on how sweet your elderflower liqueur is.
Cucumber slices
Cucumber brings ultra fresh, spa like notes and a pale green hue. Thin rounds muddle easily and release delicate flavor without clouding the drink.
Club soda
Club soda adds lift and makes the cocktail extra refreshing. Use well chilled soda and add it at the end to preserve carbonation.
Ice
Ice chills and dilutes slightly for balance. Use fresh cubes for shaking and a full glass of ice for serving so the drink stays cold from first sip to last.
Fresh mint or cucumber ribbon for garnish
A sprig of mint or a curled cucumber ribbon signals the flavor profile and adds instant visual appeal. Both garnishes make this cocktail Pinterest ready with minimal effort.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the glass
Fill a tall Collins or highball glass with fresh ice so the glass chills while you build the drink. A cold glass keeps bubbles lively and flavors crisp.
Step 2: Muddle gently
In a cocktail shaker, add 4 to 5 thin cucumber slices and 0.25 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle 3 to 4 presses to release aroma without turning the cucumber bitter.
Step 3: Add spirits and citrus
Pour in 2 oz quality vodka, 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur, and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice. Add ice to the shaker and shake hard for 10 to 12 seconds until the tin feels frosty.
Step 4: Strain and top
Fine strain into the prepared glass to catch cucumber seeds and pulp. Top with 2 to 3 oz chilled club soda and give a brief, gentle stir to combine.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Garnish with a mint sprig or cucumber ribbon. Serve immediately while icy cold and sparkling, and taste to see if you want an extra squeeze of lime.
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a Collins or highball glass with ice.
- In a shaker, lightly muddle cucumber with simple syrup.
- Add vodka, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice. Add ice and shake until very cold.
- Fine strain into the ice filled glass.
- Top with club soda, stir gently, and garnish.
Notes
- For a less sweet drink, omit simple syrup or use only a barspoon.
- No elderflower on hand? Replace with 0.5 oz honey syrup plus 2 drops orange blossom water for a floral note.
The Cucumber Elderflower Vodka Cooler is the definition of easy elegance. It is light, floral, and incredibly refreshing, which makes it ideal for brunches, patio parties, and spa inspired nights in. Because it uses common ingredients and simple technique, it is a reliable go to for entertaining.
Pair it with citrusy shrimp skewers, sushi, light salads, or a cheese board featuring creamy goat cheese. To batch for a crowd, multiply the vodka, elderflower, lime, and simple syrup in a pitcher with ice, stir well, and top each glass with chilled club soda just before serving.