I love me some good cocktails. There, I said it. So shoot me, ok? I can stop anytime, I swear!
I grew up a straight-laced kid. Didn’t get into much trouble—I left that up to my sisters. After high school I was so busy working and trying to build a career that I didn’t have much time for partying or dating. So, I didn’t really go to bars or drink much. When I discovered the magical world of the cocktail I fell in love. Not like a lustful, manic “need to get my fix” love. But more of a respectful wonderment, an appreciation for the art form and delicate craft and sheer enjoyment of the cocktail experience.
Chelsea got me a cocktail book from the bargain bin of Barnes & Noble in 2009 after we married. I have used it plenty and it spring-boarded me into the craft of—dare I say–“mixology”.
I still have the intention to one day own a pub where I can poor the good people a craft beer of my own making (yes, I do make beer) or mix them a fantastic cocktail and watch them laugh and live with their friends. In the meantime, I will share with you my take on some of my favorite drinks. I will smile thinking that somewhere out there you and your friends are laughing and sharing a fine drink together.
Cheers,
Ari Cohen
- Cucumber Simple Syrup:
- 2-inch piece of cucumber
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- Cocktail:
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce Cucumber Simple Syrup
- ¼ ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce club soda
- 4 mint sprigs
- Cucumber spirals and mint for garnish
- Cucumber Simple Syrup:
- Use your SpiraLife to spiral a 2-inch piece of cucumber. Spiral extra to reserve for garnish.
- Place cucumber, water and sugar in a small pot.
- Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves.
- Let cool. Set aside.
- Cocktail:
- Place gin, syrup, lime juice and mint in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the mint.
- Add ice and shake or stir. Shaking will more quickly produce a colder cocktail and the ice will further muddle the mint, providing more mint flavor.
- Add club soda.
- Garnish with mint and cucumber spirals.
- Serve over ice. Makes one cocktail.
- Using large pieces of ice allows the ice to melt more slowly into your drink, preventing it from becoming watered down before you are done drinking.