Cocktail time!! The sun is finally shining, and it is a balmy 75 degrees here in Seattle, time to celebrate! As you know, I am addicted to cocktails made with cucumber. If I am ever out and see one on the menu, I look no further. I am starting to think I am not the only one out there, since I am starting to see them more and more – which makes me very happy…
About a year ago in New York City, I met an old friend from high school at Mercer Kitchen in SOHO. I heard the bar was decent, but I had no idea what I was in for. I got there first, and I didn’t see a cocktail menu, so I just went safe and ordered a Cosmopolitan. It was excellent, I must say. My friend came, and she ordered one as well. Just as they were delivering her drink, I noticed the bartender out of the corner of my eye – she was garnishing a martini glass with a cucumber. I asked her what it was, and she told me it was a Cucumber Mint Martini (or something like that) – I really only heard the cucumber part, and I ordered one. It was amazing – seriously amazing, I had two. I don’t drink a lot, but these were just too good. My friend also ordered a couple and she was hooked.
It just so happens that this friend moved to Seattle just nine months later…and I told her that when I have her over for dinner, that I would figure out the recipe for our favorite drink. I think I got it – at least she thinks so as well. Now I keep sliced cucumbers and simple syrup in the refrigerator so I am ready whenever I get the urge…just like tonight.
Ingredients
- 5 thin slices of cucumber
- 1 1/2 tablespoons simple syrup
- 10 mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup Hendrick’s Gin (or Vodka if you prefer)
- Ice
Preparation
To make simple syrup, put equal parts of sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat until all the sugar is dissolved and bowl for a few minutes. Cool.
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber, simple syrup and mint leaves. Add the fresh lime juice and the gin or vodka. Shake with ice, then strain in a martini glass.
Makes 1 delicious martini.
For a printer-friendly version of this recipe, please click here: Cucumber and Mint Martini
First Look, Then Cook 