Spicy Cucumber Collins: Recipe Guide
Spicy Cucumber Collins
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer, highball glass, measuring jigger
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Cocktail:
- 2 oz gin or vodka for a different flavor
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup adjust based on your sweetness preference
- 2 oz soda water
- 4-5 slices of cucumber
- 1-2 slices of jalapeño adjust for spice level
- Ice cubes
- Cucumber slice and jalapeño slice for garnish
- For Simple Syrup if making from scratch:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Simple Syrup
- Combine Sugar and Water: In a small saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cool Down: Remove from heat and let it cool. You can store any leftover syrup in the fridge for future cocktails.
- Step 2: Muddle the Ingredients
- Muddle Cucumber and Jalapeño: In a cocktail shaker, add the cucumber slices and jalapeño. Using a muddler, gently crush them to release their flavors. Don’t over-muddle; a few gentle presses will do.
- Step 3: Shake It Up
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the gin (or vodka), lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well combined and chilled.
- Step 4: Strain and Serve
- Strain into Glass: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with Soda Water: Add the soda water gently to maintain some of the carbonation.
- Garnish: Add a cucumber slice and a jalapeño slice for garnish.
- Tips and Variations
- Dietary Needs: For a sugar-free version, substitute simple syrup with agave nectar or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the number of jalapeño slices according to your spice tolerance. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Replace gin with soda water and use additional cucumber and lemon juice for flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil for a fresh twist.
Let’s spice up a classic with a twist. The Spicy Cucumber Collins is not just a drink; it’s an experience. This cocktail blends the coolness of cucumber with a delightful kick of spice, making it perfect for warm days or whenever you’re in the mood for something refreshing. From my own personal experience, it pairs beautifully with light dishes like salads and seafood, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. Let me show you how I make this invigorating drink.
Behinde the History of Spicy Cucumber Collins
Spicy Cucumber Collins doesn’t go way back like some cocktails, but it’s a fresh take on a true classic, the Tom Collins.
The Tom Collins itself dates back to the mid-1800s. It started showing up in bar manuals in the 1870s and was made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water, served in a tall glass over ice. It was simple, refreshing, and built to beat the heat.
Fast-forward to modern mixology, and you get creative spins like the Spicy Cucumber Collins. It keeps that same light, citrusy base but adds a cool touch of cucumber and a kick of jalapeño. This twist reflects today’s love for flavor balance, cool, spicy, tart, and just a bit sweet, all in one glass.
It’s the kind of drink that likely started showing up in trendy bars or summer cocktail menus over the last 10–15 years as bartenders looked for clean, garden-fresh flavors with a bold edge.
So no, it’s not an ancient recipe, but it’s a new classic that fits right in with today’s tastes.
What to Expect
It is a refreshing drink that balances sweetness, acidity, and spice. Each sip offers a cool cucumber taste followed by a spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their cocktails. It’s easy to make and impressively versatile for pairing with various dishes, from appetizers to light entrées.
Quick Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Time to Stand: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 1
- Calories: Approximately 130
- Cost of Ingredients: $5-$7
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Cocktail
- Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer, highball glass, measuring jigger
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a flavorful #Spicy Cucumber Collins now.
Ingredients
- For the Cocktail:
-
- 2 oz gin (or vodka for a different flavor)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 2 oz soda water
- 4-5 slices of cucumber
- 1-2 slices of jalapeño (adjust for spice level)
- Ice cubes
- Cucumber slice and jalapeño slice for garnish
- For Simple Syrup (if making from scratch):
-
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a flavorful #Spicy Cucumber Collins now.
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Simple Syrup
- Combine Sugar and Water: In a small saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cool Down: Remove from heat and let it cool. You can store any leftover syrup in the fridge for future cocktails.
Step 2: Muddle the Ingredients
- Muddle Cucumber and Jalapeño: In a cocktail shaker, add the cucumber slices and jalapeño. Using a muddler, gently crush them to release their flavors. Don’t over-muddle; a few gentle presses will do.
Step 3: Shake It Up
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the gin (or vodka), lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well combined and chilled.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
- Strain into Glass: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with Soda Water: Add the soda water gently to maintain some of the carbonation.
- Garnish: Add a cucumber slice and a jalapeño slice for garnish.
Tips and Variations
- Dietary Needs: For a sugar-free version, substitute simple syrup with agave nectar or a sugar-free sweetener.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the number of jalapeño slices according to your spice tolerance. You can also try adding a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Alcohol-Free Option: Replace gin with soda water and use additional cucumber and lemon juice for flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil for a fresh twist.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a flavorful #Spicy Cucumber Collins now.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 130 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugars: 8g (depending on the syrup used)
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Sweet: If the cocktail is too sweet, add more lemon juice to balance it out.
- Too Spicy: If you accidentally add too much jalapeño, dilute with extra soda water or add more cucumber slices to mellow the flavor.
- Flat Soda Water: For maximum fizz, ensure your soda water is chilled before adding it to the cocktail.
Now you’re all set to make this delightful Spicy Cucumber Collins. Enjoy it with friends, at a barbecue, or simply as a refreshing treat on a warm day. Cheers.
