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Sunday, August 8, 2010

Cooling Cucumbers...



I recieved a large bag of lovely cucumbers from my Grandpa today who grows them in his garden every summer.  It was the perfect bag of goodness one could recieve on a day like today, since cucumbers are one of the best naturally cooling vegetables you could possibly enjoy!  The heat index today in Minnesota was up to 106 degrees...and the perfect day for a cocktail I decided, including the cucumbers!  I thought gin would be perfect with the cucumbers, as well as some fresh lemon and basil!  I added a bit of agave syrup to balance out the tart lemon as well.  After all was shaken, poured and tasted...I was feeling refreshed!  This was the just the remedy needed for a way too hot summer day!


Cool Cuke Cocktail
Serves 1

6 large fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup large ice cubes
6 cucumber slices
1 oz agave syrup*
3 oz Gin
1 oz fresh organic lemon juice

In a martini shaker, muddle the basil leaves with the ice, crushing them until they are in small pieces. Add the cucumbers, syrup, gin, and lemon juice, place top on shaker, and shake until well blended. Pour a chilled glass, adding and serve!


*To make agave syrup, heat 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup agave until agave is evenly dissolved in water.  Cool completly and store in the fridge.

3 comments:

  1. Beautiful Amy! I love the cucumber and gin combo-that sounds nice. Oh, and I appreciate the agave nectar instead of simple syrup-very nice too...

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  2. This is very nice! Don't know that I could drink the gin (ugly things happen...like hives and flushing of skin when I get any alcohol) but I could certainly go for a virgin one of these! Cucumber is one of the best alkalizing foods we can eat as well. This would be much more palatable than downing a glass of straight cucumber juice as I usually do.

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  3. How very interesting!

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