Vodka Cucumber Collins recipe
When I was asked if I would like to try a bottle of Altamura vodka, there was no way I was going to say no thank you. The only concern I had was using it in a cocktail which would showcase it’s elegant smooth nature. This Vodka Cucumber Collins, however, is just perfect; it lets this Italian spirit shine, unlike the bloody sun.
Gin is my usual spirit of choice, but I also enjoy a vodka and tonic as much as the next person. Altamura vodka, with it’s subtle hints of pepper and lemon, called for a little more of a fanfare than a VAT. This Vodka Cucumber Collins has subtle flavours too; a hint of cucumber, a whiff of lemon. It’s refreshing and fresh, just as a summer cocktail should be.
Altamura vodka is made using grains for the Puglia region of Italy, with it’s sun kissed landscape. This may help transport you, so you can pretend you’re not living through another grey, damp British summer.
Such a simple elegant line up right here; it’s all about the vodka. The cucmber and lemon bring freshness and sippability to this Collins. It’s a long-ish drink, dependent on how much fizzy water you add, making it something to savour.
Start with your cocktail shaker, and the cucumber and lemon slices. Muddle them to release their freshness, then pour on the lovely Altamura vodka.
Measure in the sugar syrup and lemon juice then add in plenty of ice.
Shake your cocktail shaker until it feels chilled on the outside, then strain, over some fresh ice, into your chosen glass.
I am at my sister’s holiday home and couldn’t find the strainer, don’t judge me for letting a few bits of fruit plop into the glass.
Top up your Collins with as little, or as much, fizzy water as you fancy, then garnish with a fresh lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint.
This Vodka Cucmber Collins is now yours for the taking. Or in my case, wrestling it out of Clyde’s hands, who thought it was his for the taking.
It’s good to mix things up a bit and this Vodka Cucumber Collins is a fresh addition to your summer cocktail menu. And I use the word ‘summer’ in the loosest sense of the word.
Lucy x
I was kindly sent this Altamura Vodka to try, but all opinions and words are, as always, my own.
Vodka Cucumber Collins recipe
Makes 1
You will need a cocktail shaker and an elegant glass for this
2 slices lemon, quartered
3 slices cucumber
Ice
40ml Vodka, Altamura is bloody lovely
25ml simple syrup
15ml fresh lemon juice
Fizzy water, to top up, as little or as much as you like
More ice, fresh lemon slice and a mint sprig to garnish
Take your cocktail shaker and add the lemon slices and cucumber slices. Muddle to release their juices. Pour on the vodka, lemon juice and sugar syrup and add a handful of ice then shake until the cocktail shaker feels chilled.
Strain, and pour over some more ice, into your chosen glass then top up with some fizzy water, to taste. Garnish with a lemon slice and mint sprig. Sip and enjoy the smooth elegance.
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