Cucumber Mint Gimlet

This refreshing cocktail combines the coolness of cucumbers, the tartness of limes, and the sweetness of mint.

Cucumber Mint Gimlet

Makes 8 drinks

Ingredients

Cucumber Gin

2 1/2 cups peeled and diced cucumbers

4 1/2 cups gin

Mint Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 cup mint leaves

Gimlet

2 1/4 cups lime juice

Cucumber peel and mint for garnish

Directions

Cucumber Gin: Steep cucumbers in gin. Cover and chill 8 hours to 4 days. Strain. Store indefinitely in the refrigerator.

Mint Simple Syrup: Combine sugar and water over medium-high heat, stirring until dissolved. Add mint leaves; remove from heat. Cover; steep for one hour. Strain; discard mint. Refrigerate up to 2 months.

Gimlet: In a 2-quart pitcher, stir gin, lime juice, and syrup. Refrigerate. To serve, pour into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously, and divide among ice-filled 10-ounce glasses. Garnish each with cucumber peel and mint. Alternatively, put gimlet in large pitcher or dispenser, and have guests fill their own ice filled glasses.

For a single drink, proportions are as follows: 2 ounces cucumber gin, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1/2 ounce mint simple syrup.

Original recipe from Martha Stewart Weddings, Spring 2009.