Place the 0.5 cup thinly sliced cucumber in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Add the vodka (2 oz), fresh lime juice (0.5 oz) and optional simple syrup (0.25 oz). Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently muddle the cucumber for about 20–30 seconds until fragrant and slightly broken down. This releases cucumber flavor without pulverizing it.

Fill the shaker with ice, cover and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds to chill and integrate flavors. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled wine glass or large coupe to remove solids, leaving a clear cucumber-infused vodka mixture.

Elderflower & Sparkle

Pour the St-Germain (0.75 oz) over the strained cucumber-vodka in the glass. Gently stir once or twice to combine.

Top with chilled Prosecco (3 oz) and then a splash of chilled soda water (1 oz). Stir gently once with a bar spoon to integrate without losing too much effervescence.

Garnish & Serve

Add ice to the glass if desired (about 1 cup), or serve without additional ice if using a well-chilled glass. Thread a cucumber ribbon or wheel onto the rim or place it into the glass. Add a mint sprig for aroma, if using.

Serve immediately. Optionally offer extra cucumber slices or a straw. One cocktail yields a light, aromatic Cucumber Spritz best enjoyed chilled.