Summer after summer, we keep returning to the same cocktail — the Cucumber Caipiroska. Based on the rustic Brazilian Caipirinha, this vodka-based sipper exemplifies everything needed in the perfect summer drink; refreshing, smooth, cool, colorful, easy to create, and super customizable.
Using the same template, we’ve had a ton of fun coming up with fun new adds every year. We’ve incorporated everything from bell peppers to radish! So this year we’re doing something a little different; each week of August, we’ll be featuring a different riff on the original Caipiroska. This week we’re kicking the month off with the version that started it all:
Cucumber Caipiroska #1
Muddle in Mixing Tin:
3 slices of Cucumber*
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Plain Simple
Add:
1½ oz North Shore Vodka
Muddle cucumber, lime and simple in a mixing tin. Add vodka, fill shaker halfway with ice, then shake well and pour entire contents of shaker into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fresh slice of cucumber.
*we recommend quartering your slices, which makes them much easier to muddle.
Herb-y Cucumber Caipiroska
If you have herbs in your garden this year, almost any will work — we’re using basil, but mint, cilantro, sage, oregano, and dill are only some of the delicious herbs you can use. No garden? No problem! Farmer’s markets have tons of great herbs too. Or, if fresh herbs aren’t a possibility, you can create a simple syrup with dried herbs.
Muddle in Mixing Tin:
3 slices of Cucumber*
2-3 leaves of Basil, or your chosen herb
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Plain Simple (or omit the fresh herbs & use an Herb Simple)
Add:
1½ oz North Shore Vodka
Muddle cucumber, basil, lime and simple in a mixing tin. Add vodka, fill shaker halfway with ice, then shake well and pour entire contents of shaker into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fresh slice of cucumber.
Spicy Cucumber Caipiroska
This version brings the heat! We’ve used jalapenos in the past, and this year we’re using the super-spicy Thai peppers from our garden.
The best thing about making your own cocktail is you can adjust the spice to your exact preference! Just keep in mind, the peppers will sit in the cocktail once it’s poured, so it will become spicier the longer it sits.
Muddle in Mixing Tin:
3 slices of Cucumber*
2-3 slices of Hot Pepper (to taste)
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Plain Simple (or use an Herb Simple)
Add:
1½ oz North Shore Vodka
Muddle cucumber, pepper, lime and simple in a mixing tin. Add vodka, fill shaker halfway with ice, then shake well and pour entire contents of shaker into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fresh slice of cucumber.
Garden Caipiroska
A wildcard bonanza of fresh garden veggies!
There are a number of different veggies that work in this cocktail — this year we chose tomatoes (which are already behind the bar for the Quite Contrary on our current menu). Bell peppers also make a delicious add, and we’re partial to radishes, as pictured!
Muddle in Mixing Tin:
2 slices of Radish (or Bell Pepper, or 3 Cherry Tomatoes!)
3 slices of Cucumber*
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Plain Simple
Add:
1½ oz North Shore Vodka (also delicious with Gin No. 11 or Aquavit – Private Reserve)
Muddle veggies, cucumber, lime and simple in a mixing tin. Add vodka, fill shaker halfway with ice, then shake well and pour entire contents of shaker into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fresh slice of cucumber.
Summer is coming to a close, but the sun and heat are with us for a little longer still! Any of these Cucumber Caiproska variations will make an excellent patio cocktail, or poolside sipper. Cheers to summer!
