Tequila Cucumber + Basil Smash

A fresh garden-inspired cocktail from Natalie’s kitchen — crisp cucumber, bright basil, sparkling citrus, and the kind of refreshing drink that instantly feels like summer.

Cheers to warmer days, open windows, backyard dinners, and drinks poured over lots of ice.

This cucumber basil smash has become one of our favorite warm-weather cocktails because it feels light, fresh, and incredibly refreshing without being overly sweet.

Cool cucumber. Fresh herbs. Sparkling water. Bright tequila.

Simple ingredients that somehow taste fancy enough for a little patio happy hour situation.

And honestly? One of the best things about this drink is how easy it is to customize.

No tequila? Use gin or vodka.

No basil? Grab mint from the garden.

Want a mocktail? Skip the alcohol completely and load up the sparkling water.

Easy. Flexible. Summer in a glass.

Why We Love It

Cucumber

Cool, crisp, and naturally hydrating — especially refreshing during warmer months.

Basil

Fresh herbs instantly elevate simple drinks while adding beautiful garden flavor and aroma.

Sparkling Water

Keeps the cocktail light, bright, and refreshing without excessive sweetness.

Flexible Ingredients

Easy to turn into a cocktail or mocktail depending on the mood or occasion.

Ingredients

• 3–4 slices fresh cucumber, quartered
• 2–3 fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1.5 ounces silver tequila
• 2–3 ounces sparkling water
• ice

Optional:

• drizzle maple syrup or honey
• fresh mint
• lime wedge
• tajín rim

Directions

Add the cucumber pieces to a glass.

Tear the basil leaves and add them in.

Using a muddler or wooden spoon, gently muddle the cucumber and basil together to release the juices and aromatics.

Fill the glass with ice.

Pour in the tequila and top with sparkling water.

Stir gently.

If using sweetener, add now and stir once more.

Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.

Glow Note

I love drinks like this because they feel refreshing without being complicated.

Fresh herbs. Cold ice. Sunset somewhere nearby.

Honestly all my favorite summer things.

Love + Drink Well,
Natalie