SpiraLife Cucumber Mint Gimlet

gimlet-2-preferred

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

SpiraLife Cucumber Mint Gimlet
 
The cucumber and mint in this recipe makes for a refreshing cocktail. The simple syrup can be reserved for use in other drinks. For a non-alcoholic drink, replace the gin with extra club soda. Cheers!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 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
Instructions
  1. Cucumber Simple Syrup:
  2. Use your SpiraLife to spiral a 2-inch piece of cucumber. Spiral extra to reserve for garnish.
  3. Place cucumber, water and sugar in a small pot.
  4. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves.
  5. Let cool. Set aside.
  6. Cocktail:
  7. Place gin, syrup, lime juice and mint in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the mint.
  8. 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.
  9. Add club soda.
  10. Garnish with mint and cucumber spirals.
  11. Serve over ice. Makes one cocktail.
Notes
- Remaining syrup can be reserved for other cocktail and mocktail uses.
- 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.

 

Ari Cohen

Recommended Reading

Newsletter-Graphic

Want to stay informed?

Enter your email below for deals, giveaways, and special offers!

Name*

Email*