Cucumber Collins Recipe

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 05/21/22
Cucumber Collins Cocktail

The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
253 Calories
1g Fat
44g Carbs
2g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 253
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 8mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 44g 16%
Dietary Fiber 6g 22%
Total Sugars 25g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 79mg 393%
Calcium 95mg 7%
Iron 2mg 8%
Potassium 497mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The cucumber collins is among the most refreshing cocktails you can mix up. Make it with either gin or vodka—just like any collins drink—and enjoy the cool taste of fresh cucumber and lime. The drink makes an impressive addition to a summer soirée, especially when thin ribbons of cucumber are woven within layers of ice.

The beauty of the cucumber collins is how simple it is to make. Cucumbers are juicy and can easily be muddled right along with the lime to create a fruity base. It's best to shake the drink, then strain it into the glass. This not only helps integrate the flavors but also keeps your drink nice and clean. To amplify the cucumber flavor, use a cucumber-forward gin such as Hendrick's or a cucumber vodka.

Ingredients

  • 2 slices cucumber, quartered

  • 2 slices lime, quartered

  • 1 ounce simple syrup

  • 1 1/2 ounces gin, or vodka

  • 3 to 4 ounces seltzer, to taste

  • Cucumber ribbons, for garnish

  • Lime slice, for garnish

  • Mint spring, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for a Cucumber Collins
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  2. In a cocktail shaker, add the cucumber, lime, and simple syrup. Muddle well to release all the fruit juices.

    Muddling a Cucumber Collins Cocktail
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  3. Add the gin, fill the shaker with ice, and shake well.

    Mixing a Cucumber Collins Cocktail
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  4. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice and cucumber ribbons.

    Straining a Cucumber Collins Cocktail
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  5. Top with seltzer.

    Topping a Cucumber Collins With Soda
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  6. Garnish with a lime slice and mint sprig. Serve and enjoy.

    Cucumber Collins
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

Tips

  • It's easy to create perfect cucumber ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Simply run the peeler down the length of the cucumber in one motion and a thin sliver will peel right off. Keep the ribbons in a bowl of water in the refrigerator; they'll stay fresh for more than a few hours.
  • Add the ice and cucumber ribbons simultaneously: Begin with one ribbon, wrapping it around the inside of the glass, then add a few ice cubes and wrap some more. Do the same with a second ribbon and more ice. The cucumber may even stick on the glass so it's out of the way while you add ice. Use a bar spoon to help maneuver everything into place if needed.

Recipe Variations

  • Switch from lime to lemon if you like. During the summer, honeydew melon and pineapple are great additions that work well with cucumber, too.
  • Mint, basil, and thyme pair perfectly with cucumber. Add a sprig of the herb to the muddle or use it to make an infused simple syrup.
  • Rather than gin or vodka, try this collins with rum or tequila instead. A soft liqueur like St. Germain is a nice twist as well.
  • Add extra flavor with a light fruit-flavored seltzer or give the drink an extra kick with a hard seltzer. Club soda, lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, and sparkling lemonade are good substitutes, too.

How Strong Is a Cucumber Collins?

The cucumber collins is a lovely low-proof cocktail. On average, its alcohol content will fall in the 7 percent ABV (14 proof) range. If you switch to hard seltzer, it's still just 10 percent ABV, or similar to a glass of wine.

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