Cool as a Cocktail
So, I have already shared my Sidecar recipe, and thought that I would leave you for the weekend with another of my favorite cocktail recipes. Sunday will be a lovely party in the park for a friend of mine’s birthday, and we might just have to take shelter from the heat and refresh ourselves with a few of these.
One of my favorite summer tipples is definitely The Cuke. Now I will admit to this not being a unique idea, or even a unique name, but the recipe is my own. The New York Times, as well as a few cocktail sites, all have recipes for cucumber punches, but I find that cucumbers and gin work fabulously as a highball. Too much lime or sugar and you end up with something completely pedestrian – it’s all about letting the cucumber sit softly on top of it all. Think of it as an even lighter, crisper alternative to the typical G&T.
1 Cucumber
1 1/2 oz Gin (Preferably Hendrick’s)
1/4 oz Lime Juice
Soda
Muddle a few slices of cucumber (3-6 deepening on the size of your cucumber) with the lime juice at the bottom of a shaker. You really want to release as much of the juice from the cucumber as you can, and unlike mint, the cucumber will not get bitter if you over-muddle. Add Gin and ice, and shake until cold. Double strain into a highball or other tall glass over some ice, and top with soda. Garnish how you see fit. Stay cool as a cucumber.
3 Comments
Tom
April 10, 2010Looks interesting, but I think I might prefer for mine to be a bit gin-ier. Perhaps 1.5 shots would do it? I'd only want a bit more; naturally you don't want to just make martini with tonic.
Although, now that I think about it…
Stephen Pulvirent
April 12, 2010Tom -
Often I find myself tipping a bit of extra gin in as well, especially in a larger glass. If you are not using one of the small, 10 or so ounce, highball glasses, I would say going up to 2 oz of gin, and maybe not topping up all the way with the soda is a good idea. Thanks for the feedback.
Simply Refined » Fathers Day – Last Minute Gift Guide » Simply Refined
June 17, 2011[...] big Rum kick right now, but you could also get Dad some decent gin for sipping G&T’s (or something more complicated) on the porch. Hendricks and Fentimans would be my pick, but whatever your local has is just what [...]