Cucumber-Ginger Cocktail

 

Grab a glass, it's COCKTAIL HOUR!!

 

  I'm a huge fan of cocktails that use fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. It's funny how my tastes have changed so much the older I get. (I also think people create much higher quality drinks now-a days). With the while "mixology" thing is soaring in popularity, it's much easier to find a fabulous drink at even the most unexpected places. I remember the only "fruit" you saw in drinks was Apple Pucker....yuck!! Now, these masterful new bartenders would muddle a fresh apple with fresh thyme and lemon and add a cinnamon simple syrup. Now THAT'S an Apple Martini I might drink!

 

  While I used to be a vodka martini girl, then the rum & diet girl (still kinda that girl), I have now evolved into a gin girl. Who knew?? While gin has always been around, the only drink you really saw them in were gin & tonics, the gin fizz, or a classic gin martini. Kinda boring and never really brought out the versality of gin. Now gin is found in all sorts of interesting cocktails. One of my absolute FAVORTIE combinations is gin with fresh cucumber, lime and a spiced up ginger simple syrup. It's quick and easy to whip up and I could easilly drink a pitcher of these by myself. (But don't anybody let me!)

 

 So if you are scared of gin, this is a great way to convert yourself! You will be a gin lover like me, for sure. Bottoms up!

 

Cucumber-Ginger Cocktail (Makes 1 drink)

 

Few slices fresh cucumber (one slice aside for garnish- optional)

Wedge of fresh lime

2 oz. (or more) gin, any brand you prefer

1 oz. ginger simple syrup (recipe follows)

Club Soda

Ice

 

High-Ball Glass & Muddler

 

  Ginger Simple Syrup

  1 cup sugar

  1 cup water

  large shavings fresh ginger (about 6-7 slices)

 

 

  Assemble your ingredients

 

 

Make the simple syrup first: Add your water, sugar & ginger slices in a small sauce pan. Heat on medium heat until sugar is dissolved (about 5 minutes). Turn off heat, let cool. You can throw in a few ice cubes if you want to cool it faster to make your cocktail right away. You can strain it, if desired or leave the ginger in to fully infuse. (TIP: can be made ahead. Keep refridgerated up to 2 weeks) I like to put mine in a squeeze bottle for easy drink making!

 

 

Next, add a cube or two of ice to your glass with a few slices of cucumber. Squeeze the lime wedge and toss it in the glass. Using your muddler (or the handle of a wooden spoon works great!) Crush the cucmber and lime to break it up. Add a bit of gin if needed to help the "muddling" process.

 

The muddling process can be a bit....splashy, so you can use your hands to cover the glass as you muddle. We just want to break up the cucumber & lime a bit so when we add the liquids, those awesome flavors will distrubute throughout the entire drink giving it GREAT flavor.

 

 

Next, fill the glass to the top to ice, add your gin, simple syrup and top with club soda. You can adjust sweetness and how strong you like your drink based on your own tastes.

 

Drink up!!