NY Times Summer Contest Winner

The NY Times held a contest for the best Summer drink. The ultimate winner was "The Cuke."

I had this drink one Summer in Chicago and it's definitely as refreshing as it gets. You can skip muddling the cucumber in if you like and just use Hendrick's Cucumber Gin, but I've had a hard time finding the stuff at retail outlets so you may not have that luxury.

6 limes, rinsed
1 cup mint leaves, no stems, plus sprigs for garnish
3 washed, unwaxed cucumbers
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups vodka or gin (preferably Hendrick's gin)
Sparkling water

Slice 3 of the limes and place in a pitcher. Juice the rest and add juice to pitcher. Add mint leaves. Slice 2 cucumbers and add, then add sugar. Muddle ingredients together with a muddle or spoon. Add vodka or gin, then place in refrigerator to steep at least 30 minutes.
Peel remaining cucumber and cut lengthwise into 6 spears.
Fill 6 highball glasses with ice. Strain mixture from pitcher into each. Top each with a splash of sparkling water, garnish with a sprig of mint and a cucumber spear and serve.

I recommend the gin on this one over the vodka, it really adds to the flavor.

The World's Cups - [nytimes.com]
via Slashfood

Tags: summer, cucumber, recipe