A farewell to summer refreshing cocktail, that is great all year long.
With the weekend upon us I wanted to share a refreshing treat with you. When it comes to adult beverages, I do not frequently partake in them so it is surprising that my very first post pertaining to food is a cocktail. When I do have a drink I normally stick to wine, beer, or an extra dirty blue cheese martini. The reason I normally play it safe and do not go for mixed cocktails is because they are often either too strong, too fruity, or just not a mix of things that I fancy.
On our recent trip to Greece my husband ordered a cocktail on our first day in Santorini and with only one little sip, I knew I wanted to recreate it when we returned home. It was equally refreshing and earthy without being overpowering, and did not contain the strong taste of alcohol that I tend to stay away from. I saw a lot of “fresh” cocktails throughout our trip and it had me singing a whole new tune towards cocktails and made me give them a second chance. Without further ado, I introduce my version of what I had which I am calling the Grecian Cucumber Mint Cocktail. The name says it all and I truly hope that you enjoy.
Grecian Cucumber Mint Cocktail
Ingredients:
6 Slices of Fresh Cucumber
1 1/2 Sprigs of Fresh Mint Leaves
1/2 Fresh Squeezed Lime
1 1/2 oz. of Simple Syrup
3 oz. Hendrick’s Gin
Simple Syrup:
1 Cup of Water
1 Cup of Sugar
Garnish:
10 oz. Cocktail Glass
Ice Cubes
3 Slices of Fresh Cucumber for Garnish
1 Sprig of Fresh Mint for Garnish
Yields 1 10 oz. Cocktail
First, start by making your simple syrup as it will need to cool before creating your masterpiece. In a small pot, add one cup of water to one cup of sugar and heat the mixture over medium high heat while stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from the heat and let cool completely. After your simple syrup is fully cooled I like to place the simple syrup in a glass jar and place in the refrigerator. It will normally last for one month refrigerated.
While the simple syrup is cooling, slice your lime, cucumber, and de-leaf your sprig of mint. Place the slices of cucumber, mint leaves, and fresh lime juice into a cocktail shaker and muddle. Once you have completed the muddling process, add the gin of your choice (I chose Hendrick’s), simple syrup, and ice, then shake, shake, shake.
Once you have shaken to your heart’s desire, fill your cocktail glass with ice and strain your cocktail over the fresh ice. Garnish your cocktail with three slices of cucumber, a sprig of mint, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
I hope that you enjoy this cocktail as much as I did and that it inspires you to try something new as well.
XO
Claire B.
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