Weekend’s almost here–it’s time for a little libation! Inspired by the cucumber infusion in my favorite Hendrick’s gin, I created this cocktail by combining my gin with cool cucumber, tangy fresh orange and lime juices, a dash of simple syrup for sweetness, and a few drops of orange bitters to round it out all the flavors. A swirl of perfumy orange blossom water adds an unusual, ethereal dimension. This drink is complex, refreshing and so delicious. Cheers!
Cucumber Gin Blossom
I love the texture and clean flavor the cucumber adds to this drink. In a small food processor or blender, puree one half of a peeled kirby cucumber. Add to a cocktail shaker.
Orange blossom water is one of my favorite exotic ingredients. You can find it in the honey aisle at Whole Foods or in the ethnic section of your supermarket. Pour a bit of the water into a martini glass and swirl it around the inside of the glass. Spill the excess into the other glass and repeat; pour the rest into the cocktail shaker.
Squeeze the juices from a small orange and a lime into the shaker. Add the gin, drops of orange bitters and a bit of simple syrup. Simple syrup is easy to make: in a small saucepan, mix equal parts of sugar and water and heat until sugar is dissolved. I like to make a batch and keep it on hand in the refrigerator.
Top cocktail mix with a handful of ice, cover the cocktail shaker tightly and shake well. Pour Cucumber Gin Blossom into martini glasses and garnish with cucumber slices. Enjoy, but be careful–these go down a little too easily!
Makes 2 Drinks:
1/2 kirby cucumber, pureed
2 teaspoons orange blossom water
1 orange, juiced
1 lime, juiced
4 ounces gin, preferably Hendrick’s
10 drops orange bitters
1 ounce simple syrup
Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water