It is not Summer yet. I mean, it’s snowing in the Northeast but that doesn’t mean a girl can dream. Making this and standing in front of the heater is a good place to start. This cocktail is super easy. Have you ever tried rosé vodka? It’s my new obsession because it’s so smooth. Of course, if you don’t have it, not to worry. The regular stuff works well too.

This drink is ready in 1, 2, 3…all you’ll need is a bit of simple syrup, some muddled cucumbers, strawberries, some vodka (duh) and a good splash of sparkling water. It’s a good little cooler in the middle of spring when it’s cool and crisp outside.

I know everyone is dreaming about summer temperatures but I’m still excited about Spring fruit, including gorgeous strawberries that are bursting at the farmer’s markets!

Cucumber Strawberry Cooler

Try this cucumber strawberry cooler when it's still cool and crisp outside. (Recipe Credit: Adrianna Adarme of Fresh Tastes)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 4 to 5 strawberries, sliced, plus more as garnish
• 1 small Persian cucumber, trimmed and sliced
• 4 ounces vodka of choice
• Sparkling water or La Croix (flavor of choice)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, set over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir until dissolved. Set aside until room temperature. 
2. Add a tablespoon of simple syrup to two glasses. Add a few slices of strawberries and cucumber to each glass. Muddle the strawberry and cucumber together. Pour in the vodka and then add a splash of sparkling water or La Croix. Give it a stir and then taste test.  Garnish with slices of strawberries and cucumber. 

Yield: 2 to 4 cocktails

Adrianna Adarme is a food blogger and author living in Los Angeles, California. She writes the blog A Cozy Kitchen, where she shares comforting, everyday recipes from her kitchen. She recently authored her first cookbook, PANCAKES: 72 Sweet and Savory Recipes for the Perfect Stack. She’s a lover of breakfast, pie (and sometimes even pie for breakfast), corgis and cute things. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.