• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

Kitchen Konfidence logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Course / Cocktail

    2 Jul 15, 2015 Cocktail  |   Jump to Recipe

    The Cucumber Lime Zinger + 5 Years [Giveaway]

    Kitchen Konfidence is officially 5 years old!!  Gosh, can you believe it?!

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Cucumber Lime Zinger Cocktail

    I started Kitchen Konfidence back in 2010 as a way for me to express and share my passion for food through recipes and photography.  And I’m glad to say that Kitchen Konfidence continues to act as my creative happy space 5 years later.  I love cooking, I love photography and I love sharing my recipes.  I love that moment when someone tastes something I’ve made, and their eyes grow wide, the corners of their mouth turn up to a smile, and they exclaim, “YUM!”  These are the things that keep me going.

    Another big part of why I still enjoy blogging is YOU!  All of the readers, bloggers, friends and family that continue to check in here, leave comments, send e-mails, tweets and all other manner of communiqué.  Connecting with other passionate foodies is what makes this FUN.  So thank you.

    Finally, I’ve really grown to enjoy all of the local San Diego activities that I get to do as a result of being a food blogger.  Events with the San Diego Food Blogger group, restaurant experiences around town, product tastings, local partnerships and my monthly recipe column in Pacific Magazine.  The San Diego food scene has really come up since I first moved here back in 2004, and I love being just a small part of the big picture.

    From time to time, I like to look back at my old recipes to see how I’ve grown over the years.  For example, take a look at my original post on Blueberry Ice Cream.  The photos are dark, the focus is way too tight on several photos and the recipe is in an unfriendly format.  Also, remember FoodBuzz??  I do miss that.  Last year, I reposted the same Blueberry Ice Cream recipe, reimagined with an Oat Crumble Topping.  My photos are now bright, vibrant and there’s even an animated gif thrown into the mix!  I’m not saying that these photos are perfect, but they’re definitely improved!  Week-by-week, Kitchen Konfidence allows me to hone my photography, writing, editing, styling, recipe testing/development, and teaching skills.  It’s a challenge, and I love it.

    So that’s it for the love fest!!  Now, on to the cocktail.  Continue reading to hear more about this Cucumber Lime Zinger plus a cookbook giveaway.

    The Cucumber Lime Zinger starts with a base of homemade Cucumber, Dill and Black Pepper Vodka.  Ribbons of cool cucumber are steeped in vodka along with fresh dill and toasted black peppercorns.  The resulting infusion is crisp, complex and wonderfully aromatic.  To make the cocktail, the infused vodka is muddled with cucumber and rosemary, then shaken with lime juice, lime zest and simple syrup.  To finish, the drink is topped off with chilled sparkling water.  This Cucumber Lime Zinger is tart, herbaceous and incredibly refreshing.  Exactly what you’d want to drink on a hot summer afternoon.

    This recipe comes from Summer Cocktails: Margaritas, Mint Juleps, Punches, Party Snacks, and More by Maria del Mar Sacasa, a book that’s been in-use at my house for the past month and half!  Seriously, it’s packed with so many fun, seasonal cocktails.  I love that Maria also includes recipes for alcohol infusions and other DIY goodies (shrubs, syrups, mixes).  If you love a good cocktail (like me!), you need to check this book out.  PS. I’m giving away two copies down below.

    Cucumber and Dill

    Peeled Cucumber

    The lovely folks over at Quirk Books provided me with two copies of Summer Cocktails to give away to Kitchen Konfidence readers!!  Enter to win here:

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Jarred Cucumber

    Cucumber, Dill and Black Pepper Vodka

    Cucumber Lime Zinger Cocktail

    The Cucumber Lime Zinger

    by Brandon Matzek
    Recipe adapted from Summer Cocktails: Margaritas, Mint Juleps, Punches, Party Snacks, and More.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 1 drink

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary needles
    • 2 slices English cucumber
    • 2 oz. Cucumber Dill and Black Pepper Infused Vodka* (recipe below)
    • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
    • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons simple syrup**, plus more to taste
    • Small pinch of salt
    • 1/4 cup chilled sparkling water
    • Cucumber round and rosemary sprig, for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Place rosemary needles and cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker, and muddle to release cucumber juice and rosemary oils. Add infused vodka, lime zest, lime juice, simple syrup, salt and ice. Shake until well-chilled (about 30 seconds). Gently stir in sparkling water, then taste for sweetness. If it's too tart, stir in a bit more simple syrup. Double strain (through the cocktail strainer and a fine mesh strainer) into an ice-filled glass, and garnish with a cucumber round and rosemary sprig.

    Notes

    * Don't want to make infused vodka? Try this with regular vodka, white rum or gin.
    ** Please don't buy simple syrup. It's very easy to make at home. Place equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan (for example, 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar), bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and let boil for 1 minute. Take the saucepan off the heat, and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature before using. Done! How easy is that? Simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for many weeks.
    Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!

    Cucumber, Dill and Black Peppercorn Infused Vodka

    by Brandon Matzek
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 750 ml

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 English cucumber, peeled and sliced
    • 1 small bunch of fresh dill
    • 1/4 cup toasted black peppercorns
    • 750 - 1000 ml of good quality vodka (nothing cheap, but not top shelf)

    Instructions
     

    • Place cucumber slices, dill and black peppercorns in a jar with an air-tight lid. Add vodka to cover the ingredients (I used just over 750ml). Let infuse for 4 days in a cool, dark spot.
    • Strain infused vodka into a clean jar or bottle. Discard solids. Infused vodka will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month or the freezer for up to 4 months. The vodka won't go bad, but flavors will start to dull as time goes by.
    Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!

    Let’s all have a drink to celebrate this milestone.  Cheers!

    Brown Butter Old Fashioned

    Brown Butter Old Fashioned

    The Patio’s Plumosa

    Plumosa Cocktail

    Roasted Garlic Bloody Mary

    Roasted Garlic Bloody Mary

    Better With Bacon

    Better With Bacon Cocktail

    The Smoking Peach

    The Smoking Peach

    Hop, Skip and Go Naked

    Hop, Skip and Go Naked cocktail

    2
    Brandon and Federico
    Brandon

    I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!

    More Cocktail Recipes

    • Vodka Citrus Sparkler Recipe
      Vodka Citrus Sparkler Recipe
    • Lemon Verbena Gin and Tonic Recipe
      Lemon Verbena Gin and Tonic Recipe
    • Midnight Fog, a Halloween Cocktail Recipe
      Midnight Fog, a Halloween Cocktail Recipe
    • Ginger Margarita Recipe
      Ginger Margarita Recipe + Exciting News!!
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • WhatsApp
    • Email

    Categories: Cocktail Tags: black pepper, cucumber, dill, kosher salt, lime, rosemary, sparkling water, sugar, vodka

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

      July 15, 2015 at 11:38 am

      Congrats on 5 years, Brandon!!! TIME FLIES! Wow. I am so happy for you and how you’ve grown your blog and all you’ve done in San Diego from your West Elm demos to the your Pacific Mag column, you’re a mover and a shaker and so happy to know you!! (Not entering the giveaway b/c I have the book and it’s GREAT…I want every drink in it!)

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:29 am

        Awww, thanks so much Averie!! So happy to know you as well 🙂 Glad we met at Matt’s workshop!!

        Reply
    2. Jason says

      July 15, 2015 at 11:38 am

      Brandon – congratulations on 5 years! Enjoy your recipes and glad to see a local foodie being successful!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:29 am

        Thanks Jason!!

        Reply
    3. Lauren says

      July 15, 2015 at 11:48 am

      Lately, I’m all about the Tom Collins! I love trying new craft cocktails (as well as the tried & true).

      Reply
    4. sara says

      July 15, 2015 at 11:56 am

      Definitely mojitos!

      Reply
    5. J.S. @ Sun Diego Eats says

      July 15, 2015 at 12:39 pm

      Yay congrats! You know even in your very first post you have an eye for composition in terms of how you arrange the pictures.

      Reply
    6. Chantel Fiedler says

      July 15, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      Congrats on 5 years! I love a frosty cucumber gimlet. Mmmmm……

      Reply
    7. Adrienne says

      July 15, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      I love anything with mint and/or lime, so fresh and summery! I also prefer clear alcohols in the summer, more thirst quenching. I think a good stiff Mojito (heavy on the lime!) is probably my fav cocktail!

      Reply
    8. dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says

      July 15, 2015 at 3:05 pm

      congratulations! this is a great way to celebrating it 🙂

      Reply
    9. Steph says

      July 15, 2015 at 3:30 pm

      I like summer mojitos

      Reply
    10. Emily says

      July 16, 2015 at 8:23 am

      congrats! all of these sound so delicious!

      Reply
    11. Kim Henrichs says

      July 16, 2015 at 1:47 pm

      Congrats!! My fave is a strawberry mojito!!

      Reply
    12. Kim says

      July 16, 2015 at 2:19 pm

      Pomegranate Mojito!

      Reply
    13. Lisa @ Whisk & Cleaver says

      July 16, 2015 at 3:43 pm

      Yay congrats on five years!! Wow – so many great blogs were started five years ago this month 🙂 I love your photography and it’s been so fun getting to know you through blogging. As for cocktails, yours always look amazing, but I have to admit, we’re pretty much G&T folks up here in Carlsbad. We could use your sense of adventure, though, for sure! xo

      Reply
    14. Lisa Stover says

      July 17, 2015 at 8:08 am

      I love Sangria in the summertime 🙂

      Reply
    15. Lori says

      July 17, 2015 at 1:26 pm

      Summer and Sangria….just seem to go hand in hand to me.

      Reply
    16. Hannah says

      July 17, 2015 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      Mojitos!

      Reply
    17. DJ says

      July 18, 2015 at 11:20 am

      I love Strawberry-Lemon Mojitos.

      Reply
    18. Susan Christy says

      July 18, 2015 at 9:33 pm

      Congratulations! I love a frozen margarita in the summer.

      Reply
    19. Sippitysup says

      July 19, 2015 at 6:31 am

      Ah. Congrats. I miss FoodBuzz too. GREG

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:29 am

        Thanks Greg!

        Reply
    20. Carolsue says

      July 20, 2015 at 2:47 am

      Definitely MOJITOS! Of course, I like them year around, but mostly in summer!

      Reply
    21. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      July 20, 2015 at 2:32 pm

      These pictures are so vibrant and gorgeous! Congratulations on the BIG FIVE!!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:30 am

        Thanks Kimberly!!

        Reply
    22. fabiola@notjustbaked says

      July 21, 2015 at 8:51 am

      Congratulations to five years, and cheers to many more!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:30 am

        Thanks Fabiola!

        Reply
    23. Starla B says

      July 21, 2015 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! What an absolutely awesome milestone! All of these seriously look so good. That’s a hard decision- I love a good margarita anyday, though!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:30 am

        Thanks so much Starla :)!

        Reply
    24. Leela says

      July 22, 2015 at 12:26 am

      Congratulations!
      I love raspberry iced tea.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:30 am

        Thank you Leela!

        Reply
    25. Carrie|Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says

      July 22, 2015 at 4:35 am

      Congratulations on 5 years and your photos are absolutely stunning! Here’s to many more….cheers!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:31 am

        Thanks Carrie!

        Reply
    26. Brittany Koelmel says

      July 22, 2015 at 6:27 pm

      I LOVE Sangria!

      Reply
    27. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

      July 23, 2015 at 5:58 pm

      Congrats on 5 years. Isn’t it amazing how the time flies? I just can’t believe how long we’ve been doing it for and all the places and opportunities that have come out of it. And, of course, the relationships. Those are the best.

      Love everything about this. I don’t do nearly enough with cucumber… despite it being a favorite ingredient in our house. Really need to start using it in cocktails… starting with this beauty.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:36 am

        Thanks Brian!! Yeah the years just fly by, and each one seems to get more exciting! Definitely start using cucumber in your cocktails. So refreshing during the summer months.

        Reply
    28. Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says

      July 23, 2015 at 10:36 pm

      What a gorgeous cocktail! Perfect for summer. I love gin, because of the herbal notes, but your infused vodka definitely fits the bill!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:36 am

        Thanks Cynthia!

        Reply
    29. Phillip || SouthernFATTY.com says

      July 24, 2015 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      5 YEARS?! *faints* That’s amazing! Biggest congrats. Your blog is always one of my favs. Keep it up! I’ll have a shot or two for you over here 🙂

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:36 am

        Haha yes, I knoooow! Thanks Phillip 🙂

        Reply
    30. Christina @ Christina's Cucina says

      July 24, 2015 at 9:36 pm

      Congrats on 5 years! Your cocktail looks and sounds fabulous! Keep up the good work!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:36 am

        Thanks Christina!

        Reply
    31. Steph @ Steph in Thyme says

      July 25, 2015 at 9:14 am

      Congrats on the 5 year blogiversary! It’s so cool that you’re able to see your progression over the past five years. My photography skills have improved so much in just the past year alone, I’m excited to see where my blog will be in 4 years. And what a way to celebrate – with a cool, refreshing zinging cocktail!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:37 am

        Thanks Steph! Yeah, it’s really fun to look at the progression over the years.

        Reply
    32. cristina says

      July 26, 2015 at 6:04 am

      5 years flies by quickly, doesn’t it? Happy blogversary and all your beautiful and tasty contributions. 😉 This cucumber lime zinger is a refreshing way to celebrate!!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:37 am

        So quickly! Thanks Cristina.

        Reply
    33. Anita says

      July 26, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Congrats on five years! You have a beautiful blog and it’s clear how much work and love you put into it! Looking forward to visiting your site more!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 9, 2015 at 9:38 am

        Thanks Anita!!

        Reply
    5 from 6 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    Brandon and Federico

    I'm Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Read More…


    Popular Posts

    • Pork Ribs on the Grill
      Pork Ribs on the Grill
    • Sriracha Aioli Recipe
      Sriracha Aioli Recipe
    • Zucchini Pizza Recipe
      Zucchini Pizza Recipe
    • Jorge's Green Chilaquiles Recipe
      Jorge’s Green Chilaquiles Recipe

    GET THIS FREE 40-PAGE ECOOKBOOK! SIGN UP BELOW

    ebook cover 2021
    Subscribe Here

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Get Social!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Quick Links

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright & Licensing
    • Download my E-Book!
    • See All Recipes

    Kitchen Konfidence is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

    All Content & Images © 2024 Kitchen Konfidence

    Scroll Up

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.