Cool-as-a-Cucumber Cocktail

dotw logoIt’s hot right now here in the Bay Area, so I created this cool and refreshing spring cocktail to beat the heat.

Cucumber, cilantro and lime combine to give this drink a mild flavor that makes it great for barbecues, pool parties … or just chilling out.

I have been seeing more bars offer cucumber cocktails, and I say it’s about time! You may even want to muddle some cucumbers into the drink. This would go well with spicy foods. I may make a kicked-up version of this cocktail using chiles!

Ingredients

  • 1.5–2 oz white rum (depending on how strong you want it)
  • 1 oz cucumber-cilantro syrup*
  • Frozen cucumber and lime slices
  • Crushed ice
  • Club soda

Instructions

Fill an old-fashioned glass one-quarter full of crushed ice. Then add the cucumber-cilantro syrup and rum. Top off with club soda. Put in frozen cucumber and lime slices. Garnish with lime slice and sprig of cilantro. *Cucmber-cilantro syrup Ingredients: ½ cup fresh cilantro ½ cup sugar ½ cup water juice of 1 lime ¼ of a medium cucumber, chopped Instructions: Boil the water, adding sugar and ½ the cilantro. Let cool, then put in blender or food processor with the lime juice, cucumber and rest of cilantro. Refrigerate until ready for use. * I know cilantro is a love-it or hate-it kind of herb, and I happen to fall into the "love-it" camp. If you hate it, you can try this same recipe with another herb. I would suggest mint, basil or rosemary. Let me know how it turns out, if you try that!