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While wandering through my local farmer’s market recently, I noticed one of the produce vendors was giving out samples of a gnarled, striped, cucumber-like fruit. I had never seen this type of cucumber before, so I made my way over for a taste. After further investigation, I found out that they were Armenian cucumbers! Fresh, mild and crisp, these Armenian cucumbers taste similar to regular cucumbers; however, they are actually in the melon family. With thoughts of refreshing Summer cocktails in mind, I decided to purchase one with the sole intention of making a fresh batch of Armenian Cucumber Infused Vodka.
Armenian Cucumber Infused Vodka
Ingredients
- 1 Armenian cucumber, cut into ribbons*
- 1.5 liters good quality vodka**
Instructions
-
Place Armenian cucumber ribbons into a large, airtight jar. Fill the jar with vodka to cover the ribbons (about 1.5 liters). Seal jar and let steep for 5 days.***
-
After 5 days, strain the vodka into a clean jar or bottle. Discard Armenian cucumber ribbons.
Recipe Notes
* If you can't find an Armenian cucumber at your local grocery store or farmer's market, you can simply use a regular cucumber for a similar flavor. Just make sure you peel the skin off of your cucumber if it has a wax coating.
** The amount of vodka you use will really depend on the size of your cucumber. The Armenian cucumber that I had purchased was pretty large, so I needed a lot of vodka. This is not an exact science, so feel free to eyeball the quantity. Just make sure your cucumber ribbons are submerged in the vodka.
*** You can shake the jar every couple of days if you would like, but it isn't necessary. Try not let the mixture steep for longer than 7 days for it will start taking on a bitter flavor. I started tasting the vodka on day 4 to check the flavor.
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
I can’t help but think that you posted this just for me. 😉 There are no words to express how much i love cucumber infused vodka and it’s subtle flavor. I have a few kinds of vodka I want to make, and this is going on my list
Jason's BBQ Adventures says
Sounds like a fantastic and unique vodka.
Eileen says
That sounds delicious! I love your pictures – very well done!
Kristi Rimkus says
Great idea! Very refreshing. Don’t you just love farmers markets? So many fun foods to try. 🙂
Wendy Irene (Give Love Create Happiness) says
Great idea! Love the pictures of the jars! 🙂
Margaret Murphy Tripp says
Really interesting….I’ll have to try it!
Heidi C. Normand says
Hey,
Thanks for the idea! I was just given a bottle of Stoli and as I am not a vodka drinker it has just been sitting.
I should infuse something in it!
I was thinking, if Armenian cukes are not available, I would recommend English cukes instead or regular cukes. Their flavor is fresher and their skins and seeds less bitter and challenging to deal with. I can’t even eat regular cukes but English ones are no problem so I use them all the time.
BTW, if you have some spare time, would you peruse my blog. I am starting a “blog list of note” on it and I’ll list yours if you list mine?
Heidi
PS…I really love your pics!
bunkycooks says
I have seen several cocktails lately with cucumber infused vodka. Now my curiosity is piqued!
Jason Wong says
Would try this infusion. Have been vodka lime for ages, time to try something different.
Baking Serendipity says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Armenian cucumbers, but it could be that I don’t have my eye out for them. Definitely something to start looking for!
penny aka jeroxie says
I must try this out one day… interesting.
Morgiana says
great idea! I will have to give it a try 🙂 Would be lovely idea for hand made presents 🙂
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says
Gorgeous pictures! This sounds very refreshing, but I have to ask, did you actually say: “Discard Armenian cucumber ribbons.” Say it ain’t so! I think those would be amazing in a gazpacho instead of being thrown out. Imagine the wonderful kick it would give it. 🙂
Michelle (Jelly Shot Test Kitchen) says
What a fantastic idea – the cucumber flavor is perfect for this time of year! I had no idea it was so easy to infuse vodka and am inspired to try it!
RavieNomNoms says
Great idea! Love this!
Victoria says
I’m Armenian and this post makes me so proud! Armenian cucumbers? Vodka? It’s like you know my inner-most thoughts! haha
Jason Phelps says
I have never had cucumber vodka and this post has got me interested in trying it. It I like it I’ll have to add this infusion to my list.
Jason
Brandon Matzek says
@Heidi You are correct. If you can’t find Armenian Cucumbers, English or Hot House cucumbers will give you a similar taste. The key is to find cucumbers that don’t have a waxy coating. Most cucumbers you find the grocery store have a wax coating that needs to be peeled. Keep up the great work with your blog! Thanks.
@Brian Cucumber Vodka is definitely one of my new favorites. I am thinking about making another batch this weekend! My first batch didn’t last too long.
@Kristi I do love farmer’s markets. I picked up some really interesting items this past weekend. I’ll be posting a few throughout the week!
@Morgiana I make a cranberry orange vodka over the holidays that I give away to my friends and family. Everyone seems to enjoy a good bottle of homemade vodka 🙂
@The Mom Chef That is an interesting idea. Please let me know if you try it! Perhaps taste the ribbons first to make sure they are still good.
Rebecka says
My ancestors are Armenian, I love cucumbers and Vodka is in my top three lists of favorite liquors to use for infusing….Brandon you are a true kindred spirit! I’m an avid infusion enthusiast! I tried a few new infusions this year and just recently did my six week taste test…Yum! Your Armenian cucumber infusion sounds delighful. I’ll have to give it a go before our warm summer days fade away! I love to share my recipes so I’ve included my blog link to my infusions. I hope you get the chance to take a look!
Love your blog! You’re a very talented young man.
http://athomewithrebecka.blogspot.com/2010/07/infusing-liquors-with-flavor.html
http://athomewithrebecka.blogspot.com/2010/08/infused-liquors-beautiful-apertif.html
Brandon Matzek says
@Rebecka Thank you for the kind words! Your infusions look wonderful. You have managed to capture the essence of Summer produce in your jars! Keep up the great work. I’ll have some new fall infusions coming up over the next few months.
The Tomato Snob says
I love this! Cucumbers in water are one of my favorite things, vodka is another – can’t wait to try this out. Thanks
Kath says
What a great idea! And gorgeous photos–congrats on making the Top 9!
Gree says
This looks like the perfect base for a nice fresh end of summer cocktail. Could you post some recipes as to how you would use it? Martini? Funky cucumber moscow mule?
Megan says
Love the idea… very refreshing. Those cucumbers are the BEST! You were lucky to find them! – Megan
Jorge D says
Love it.. great recipe and a very original. I will make sure to make it.
and as always incredible pictures….
Beau @ SomethingEdible.com says
Love vodka Infusions. The pictures alone might even get a teetotaler to fall off the wagon.
Not to be a stickler, but the scientist side of me insists that I point out that all cucumbers are in the melon family; or rather all melons are in the cucumber family . 🙂
May Ling Wu says
I love cucumber infused vodka. I’ll have to try to make some myself. Great idea!
Adelina says
How original. My mom uses these cucumbers for pickling. I feel like I need this drink right now to get rid of my toothache.
Brandon Matzek says
@Gree Try this Cucumber Lime Basil Martini:
https://www.kitchenkonfidence.com/2010/08/summer-cocktails/
You could also try muddling up mint with simple syrup and lime juice. Shake in some of the cucumber vodka and top with soda water for a spin on a classic Mojito. Enjoy!
@Beau Thanks for the information 🙂
Arsi says
Fun idea! I’m Armenian and this is a must try for my family, especially in the summer! Thanks! =]
Brandon Matzek says
Let me know how you like it! Thanks Arsi.