Looking for a cocktail that just screams spring or summer? The Cucumber Collins is a playful spin on the classic Tom Collins, mixing crisp cucumber with gin and lemon for a drink that feels like a breeze on a warm day.
It’s crazy simple—just a handful of ingredients, and you’ll have it ready in under five minutes. No need to overthink it.
This one’s built on muddled cucumber, fresh lemon juice, gin, some simple syrup, and a splash of club soda. Pour it all over ice in a tall glass and you’ve got yourself a real refresher.
The cucumber brings this fresh-from-the-garden vibe, balancing out the tart and sweet notes. It’s the kind of drink that feels right for a backyard hangout or a lazy brunch.
You can totally scale it up for a crowd, too. Just multiply the recipe, and don’t forget the cucumber garnish—it looks fancy but takes zero skill.
Cucumber Collins Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Collins glass (tall, 10-12 oz works great)
- Jigger or something to measure
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For one Cucumber Collins:
- 2 oz gin London Dry is my go-to
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 3-4 cucumber slices plus one for garnish
- Club soda about 2-3 oz, but it’s flexible
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel for garnish optional
- Mint sprig for garnish optional
Instructions
- Slice your cucumber into thin rounds. Drop 3-4 slices into a cocktail shaker.
- Add simple syrup, then muddle the cucumber gently. You want flavor, not mush.
- Pour in your gin and lemon juice.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice.
- Strain your mix into the glass.
- Top off with club soda, then give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice, lemon wheel, or a sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
- It should have a soft green tint from the cucumber. Serve right away while it’s still icy and fizzy.
Notes
Notes
Play with the simple syrup to get your sweetness just right. Some folks like it tart, others have a sweet tooth.
Going booze-free? Swap the gin for cucumber-infused water or even tonic. If you’re making a big batch, wait to add the club soda until you’re ready to serve—no one likes flat bubbles.
Got leftover cucumber-infused gin? Stash it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s great for quick cocktails later.
Some bartenders swear by a pinch of salt to make the cucumber pop. Want even more cucumber flavor? Let some slices soak in your gin for a day before mixing.
This pairs so well with light seafood or as a pre-dinner sipper. Try it—see what you think.
Tasting Notes
The Cucumber Collins is just plain refreshing. The cucumber shines through, cool and crisp, and somehow makes the gin’s botanicals feel even brighter.
First sip? You’ll notice the lemon’s zing right away, cutting through the sweetness. It’s sweet, but not in a cloying way—just enough to round things out.
The club soda brings a lively fizz, making the whole drink feel lighter. Every sip is a little celebration, honestly.
Key Flavor Elements:
- Cucumber: Fresh, green, cooling
- Gin: Herbal, juniper-forward
- Lemon: Tart, bright
- Simple Syrup: Clean sweetness
- Club Soda: Crisp bubbles
The aftertaste is clean, with cucumber and herbs lingering just a bit. On a hot day, nothing really beats it.
It’s got a light mouthfeel—no heaviness, just easy sipping. You could nurse one of these all afternoon without getting tired of it.
For the best experience, keep it really cold and use plenty of ice. The chill brings out the cucumber and keeps things extra refreshing.
