Cucumber Crush Cocktail Recipe

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Cucumber Crush Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol %:14

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Cucumber Crush is a refreshing, summer cocktail that is perfect for those hot, sunny days. It's a relatively new cocktail, gaining popularity in the early 2000s. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a lighter, more refreshing cocktail. The cucumber gives it a fresh, crisp taste, while the vodka and lime add a bit of a kick. It's a great cocktail for those who enjoy gin and tonics or mojitos.

  • Origin: Early 2000s
  • Popular among gin and tonic or mojito lovers
  • Perfect for hot, sunny days

How Cucumber Crush Tastes?

The Cucumber Crush is a light, refreshing cocktail with a crisp, clean taste. The cucumber gives it a fresh, vegetal flavor, while the lime adds a tart, citrusy note. The vodka adds a bit of a kick, but it's not too strong. It's a well-balanced cocktail that is both sweet and sour, with a hint of bitterness from the lime.

Interesting facts about Cucumber Crush

  • The Cucumber Crush is often served in a highball glass, but can also be served in a martini glass for a more elegant presentation.
  • Despite its name, the Cucumber Crush does not typically involve crushing the cucumber. Instead, the cucumber is usually muddled to release its flavor.
  • The Cucumber Crush is a versatile cocktail that can be easily customized. For example, you can add mint for a more mojito-like flavor, or swap the vodka for gin for a different twist.

Ingredients

A few good options for Cucumber Crush are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Cucumber

  • The cucumber adds a crisp, vegetal flavor that freshens up the drink. The perfect amount gives just the right touch without overwhelming other flavors. Too much cucumber might turn your drink into a salad!

Emma Rose

Vodka

  • Vodka is the backbone of this drink. It's the neutral spirit that allows the cucumber and lime flavors to shine. Skimping on vodka may leave you with a mocktail, albeit a refreshing one.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Juice

  • Lime adds a zesty tang that balances the sweetness of the syrup and the coolness of the cucumber. Without it, you might find the drink too cloying.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

  • This ingredient provides sweetness to counteract the vodka and lime's sharp edges. Without it, you might pucker up more than you'd like.

Emma Rose

Soda Water

  • It brings effervescence that makes the drink lively. Skipping the soda would leave you with a much flatter experience.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

  • Ice chills the drink, making it more refreshing and diluting it slightly for a balanced flavor.

Alex Green

Cucumber Slice for garnish

  • The garnish is the final touch for both eye appeal and a hint of aroma. It's also a sneak peek of the flavors inside!

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Cucumber Crush Drink

  1. Muddle the cucumber slices in the bottom of a shaker.
  2. Add the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice.
  5. Top up with soda water.
  6. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • If you want a stronger cucumber flavor, you can add more cucumber slices.
  • Be sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Light Salads: A fresh greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the crisp nature of the Cucumber Crush.
  • Sushi: Especially good with cucumber rolls or sashimi to match the clean, crisp flavors.
  • Cheese Platters: Go for lighter cheeses like feta or goat cheese that won't overpower the delicate cucumber notes.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Fish: The citrus and cucumber notes can cut through the richness of the fish.
  • Chicken: Lightly seasoned or lemon-herb chicken would pair nicely with the refreshing aspects of the cocktail.

Desserts

  • Sorbet: A lemon or lime sorbet would echo the citrus notes and cleanse the palate.

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What you could change in Cucumber Crush

  • Vodka: Can be replaced with gin for a different flavor profile.
  • Lime juice: Can be replaced with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus note.
  • Simple syrup: Can be replaced with agave nectar or honey for a more natural sweetness.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Gin Cucumber Crush

  • Swap vodka with gin for an aromatic twist. The botanicals in gin can complement the cucumber and add complexity.
  1. Muddle cucumber, add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to shaker.
  2. Shake with ice, strain and top with soda.
  3. The gin will make the cocktail more herbaceous and layered.

Spicy Cucumber Crush

  • Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaking process for a kick.
  1. Muddle cucumber and jalapeño, then add remaining ingredients.
  2. Shake with ice and strain, topping with soda.
  3. The spice will give it a zesty edge, contrasting the refreshing cucumber.

Elderflower Cucumber Crush

  • Substitute simple syrup for elderflower liqueur.
  1. Muddle cucumber, then add vodka, lime juice, and elderflower liqueur.
  2. Shake with ice and serve topped with soda.
  3. The elderflower brings a floral sweetness that elevates the cocktail to a more fragrant experience.

In case you forgot basics how to make Cucumber Crush

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cucumber Crush

What type of vodka works best for the Cucumber Crush?

You can use any type of vodka for the Cucumber Crush. However, using premium vodka can enhance the overall taste of the cocktail.

Is there an alcohol-free version of the Cucumber Crush?

Yes. For an alcohol-free version, simply skip the vodka. The cucumber, lime juice, and soda water alone also create a refreshing drink.

How do I get the most flavor out of the cucumber?

To extract the most flavor from the cucumber, slice it thinly before muddling. This allows more surface area to be exposed for muddling.

Can I use a different vegetable or fruit instead of cucumber?

Yes. You can experiment with different combinations. For example, some people use watermelon or grapefruit instead of cucumber for a more fruity taste.

What is the best time to serve Cucumber Crush?

Given its refreshing nature, the Cucumber Crush is perfect for mid-day to early evening, during warm weather or on a sunny day.

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