Cucumber Cooler Recipe Featuring Zubrowka

ZU-Vodka-3
I am super excited that Spring is here and we have months of warmer weather to look forward to! Winter in NYC can be beautiful but such a drag to walk around in the cold. 
 
One of my favorite things about the warmer weather months is that I can dine al fresco. I am lucky enough to have a decent sized roof with a few tables where I can go outside and enjoy brunch with my friends. There’s nothing better than sipping a cocktail, soaking up the sun, and enjoying good eats!
 
When it comes to cocktails, I like to keep them light and refreshing. I was recently introduced to interesting Polish spirit called Zubrowka or better known as Zu Bison Grass Vodka, which apparently uses a 600 year old traditional recipe. While sipping it I’ve noticed hints of vanilla, chamomile, and even a little bit of coconut! Quite unexpected for a vodka if you ask me. So for my spring get-togethers, my friends typically know me for making the traditional Bellini or mimosa but this spirit inspired me to try and create something more unique.  After doing a little research, I found a polish drink called the Brisk Cucumber, which helped give me a starting point for my own recipe. 
 
Cucumbers in cocktails ooze the word “refreshing” to me. The original brisk cucumber recipe called for apple juice, which I swapped for lemon seltzer to give the drink an extra little pucker. As my own personal touch, I added a small amount of grated ginger because I love when my drinks have the smallest hint of spice. 
 
To serve the cocktail, I used mason jars because they are great for transporting. If I want to move from my apartment to the roof or vice versa I just pop on the metal lid and it’s ready to go!
ZU-Vodka  ZU-Vodka-1ZU-Vodka-4
ZU-Vodka-2
*Zubrowka spirit provided as a courtesy, all opinions are my own.
Makes 2 drinks
 
Ingredients
Crushed ice
1 small Kirby cucumber
½ small lemon
2 tsps sugar
1/2 tsp of freshly grated ginger
Seltzer water
Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka 
 
Directions
Fill both mason jars ¾ of the way with crushed ice. Slice up the cucumber into thin rounds. Divide between both mason jars. Add 1 tsp of sugar to each mason jar. 
 
Juice half a lemon and divide amongst the two mason jars. Slice two rounds from the remaining half of the lemon to use as garnish. 
 
Pour 1.5 ounces of Zubrowka into each mason jar. Add a 1/4 tsp of ginger to each cup right before the club soda was poured in.  Pour in the seltzer water. Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy!
11 Comments
  • laura
    Posted at 21:36h, 23 May Reply

    This post seems super contrived. You were just sipping it and tasted all these wondrous flavours? …Sure. clicked a link and really didn’t like my first taste of your blog. Sponsored posts should be up front and you should give an honest review. I recommend more personality and transparency in posts.

    • Justine
      Posted at 23:13h, 23 May Reply

      Hi @Laura, sorry you didn’t enjoy the post! I like to “over” describe things with my writing whether sponsored or not. Since I’m a huge advocate of the Flavor Bible (which I’ve mentioned in several of my other posts on the blog), when I can I like to highlight the different flavor profiles that I discover within products.

      I did mention in the post that Zubrowka provided me with the vodka but the real meaning to me for the post was to talk about eating al fresco and enjoying refreshing spring cocktails. I was really excited to work with Zu here because I have never tried making a Polish inspired cocktail or know much about Polish cocktails (as mentioned in the post). This for me was more about going outside of my comfort zone, going beyond mimosas and traditional brunch drinks. I am happy because I was able to try something knew and put together a new flavor combination!

      The intention of my posts aren’t just for product reviews. I always try to include a recipe that I’ve crafted based on research, trial, and error. To me, crafting a recipe and bringing together new flavors is the fun part.

      Regardless, my writing style isn’t for everyone but thanks for stopping by!

  • Richard Robi
    Posted at 08:52h, 27 May Reply

    I personally , agree with Justine, Laura summer is a season with different refreshing drinks and it’s always nice to ear about other way of deversaty and taste I love Ginger.lemon seltzer water which is quiet cooling .

    • Justine
      Posted at 14:31h, 28 May Reply

      Thank you, Richard! I am glad you also love this flavor combination. I hope you have a chance to try the recipe. Enjoy your weekend!

      • Richard Robi.
        Posted at 08:24h, 29 May Reply

        Welcome 🙂 Sorry about my spelling Kz I’m Canadian French ….have a great day..

  • Most Refreshing Vodka Cocktails – Honest Cooking
    Posted at 00:13h, 08 July Reply

    […] Refresh with a cucumber and vodka cocktail that is perfect for a spring brunch or a cooler on a warm afternoon. See the recipe. […]

  • Tam
    Posted at 12:54h, 04 April Reply

    Sacrilege. You should only drink Zubrowska neat or with apple juice!
    Though I may try this way. I have 6 bottles left.

    • Justine
      Posted at 14:41h, 04 April Reply

      Interesting! With apple juice sounds really good, might have to try that next!

  • Amy
    Posted at 21:19h, 06 April Reply

    Yes! Although it’s more for fall/winter perhaps? That’s why I’m so excited to try your recipe shared here for spring/summer!
    Zubrowka, apple juice, ice, and stir with a cinnamon stick, then enjoy!

    • Justine
      Posted at 06:53h, 07 April Reply

      Thank you! I will give it a try!!

  • 10 Polish Dishes That Actually Don’t Suck - Chowtrip
    Posted at 11:03h, 20 April Reply

    […] an amazing tasting floral grassy note to the vodka. Try in the famous Polish Szarlotka cocktail, a Cucumber Cooler, the Count of Żubrówka, or even in a vodka sauce for […]

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