Cucumber Refresher
A few months ago I made the move from my hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia to a brand new (and much larger) city, Toronto.
So far I've been loving the variety, culture and energy that a big city brings, but there are a few things I miss about home.
Mostly I miss the ocean. I miss the briny air, the rush of the waves and the feeling of renewal that comes with an icey dip on a hot day. One of the other things I miss are some of my old local food and drink haunts. Saturdays spent at the Seaport Farmer's Market, cappuccinos at Just Us Coffee House, East Coast oysters, and my favourite cocktail at a bar called Lot Six.
That cocktail brings me to this post. While my favourite drink, 'The Cucumber Ricky' is no longer on Lot Six's continually-evolving cocktail list, the bartenders are still always happy to make it for me. It's one of the simplest but also most refreshing drinks you could have, and just what you need after a long day in the sun. The secret? Fresh cucumber juice.
After that, its pretty simple- a squeeze of lime, soda, then pick your poison (I go with gin). You could also leave the alcohol out, but I mean, why would you want to?
Cheers!
Cucumber Refresher
makes 4
4 oz gin or vodka
3 large cucumbers peeled and chopped ( about 6 cups)
2 limes
soda or sparkling water
For the simple syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1. Place the chopped cucumber in a high-speed blender and blend until it has a juice-like consistency. Pour though a fine-mesh strainer into a large jug to remove the pulp. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. To make the simple syrup bring sugar and water to a simmer in a small pot over medium-high heat. Cook, until all of the sugar has dissolved then set aside to cool. The simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
3. To make the cocktail, fill a tall glass with ice cubes. In a martini shaker or large glass add 1 oz of vodka or gin, 4 oz of cucumber juice, 1 oz of simple syrup, and the juice of 1/2 a lime. Shake, or stir vigorously, then pour into tall glass with ice and top with soda or sparkling water. Place a few pieces of cucumber in the glass as a garnish (optional).