Blood Orange Cucumber Crush
A unique blend of sweet, tangy blood orange juice, crisp cucumber slices, and a hint of fresh herbs. It's enhanced with a dash of vodka, balanced by a subtle sweetness from simple syrup, and finished off with a splash of soda water for that fizzy touch.
Ingredients
- 2 blood oranges
- 1 small cucumber
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- fresh herbs mint or basil work well
- ice
- soda water
Instructions
- Peel and slice the blood oranges and cucumber. Reserve a few slices for garnish.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle together most of the blood orange slices, cucumber slices, and a couple of fresh herb leaves.
- Add the vodka and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
- Shake until well mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice, top off with soda water.
- Garnish with remaining blood orange and cucumber slices and a sprig of fresh herbs.
Notes
- Citrus Swap: If blood oranges are out of season, try using a mix of navel oranges and a splash of pomegranate juice to mimic that rich, tangy flavor and bold color.
- Herb Flexibility: Mint adds classic freshness, but basil or even rosemary can offer an elegant twist. Lightly clap herbs between your hands before adding to release essential oils.
- Syrup Savvy: You can flavor your simple syrup with herbs (like basil-infused syrup) for extra depth—just steep herbs while the syrup is warm.
- Glassware Tip: This cocktail works beautifully in stemless wine glasses or highball glasses to show off those gorgeous garnishes.
- Batch Option: Hosting a crowd? Scale up the ingredients and mix everything but the soda water in a pitcher. Add soda just before serving to keep it bubbly.