Last week while I was in Chicago, I had an amazing Cucumber Mint Martini. I had promised my Facebook fans that I would have a post for the martini by Friday. With all the excitement of Hurrican Irene, I finally got to put something together and enjoyed it (last night) before the big hurricane. I'm hoping that if you have some vodka and fresh herbs and vegetables from your garden, you can still create this interestingly tasty drink either for the hurricane or maybe even Labor Day Weekend.
I started by infusing the vodka with cucmbers and raspberries, fresh from my garden. I took
3 cups of vodka (the better the grade, the smoother the martini)
1/4 cup of cucmber slices, quartered
5-6 fresh raspberries
I mixed all of these ingredients in a pitcher and allowed it to incorporate (about 2-3 hours). You don't have to do this but it definitely gives amazing taste and flavor. Before you use the vodka mix, mash the ingredients lightly and then strain the mixture. It should be a light pink color.
While the mixture was infusing, I started making a simple syrup which is one part water to one part sugar.
1/4 cup of water
1/4 cup of sugar
Place into a small sauce pan and cook until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture bubbles. Take off burner and allow to cool.
Now you will need:
5-6 mint leaves, loosely chopped
1 lemon cut into quarters
To mix the martini:
Place loosely chopped mint into a cocktail shaker. For every measured shot of vodka, add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup and a squirt of lemon. I made 6 parts of the mixture and squeezed about 1/2 lemon. Add ice to the shaker. Shake and let rest for a minute. Strain into martini glasses and garnish with a cucumber and raspberry.
I'm not and overall martini drinker but I love the smoothness of this drink. (Note: I normally describe martinis like rocket fuel, they are strong, but if made right, very, very good!) I also liked the fresh smell of the cucumbers. The raspberry flavor is not strong as it provides more color than flavor. If you would like more raspberry flavor, add more fresh raspberries.
If you are looking for an interesting martini to end the summer, try this incredible drink, which mixes up the flavors of a great summer.
Overall Prep List
3 cups of vodka (use a good grade)
1 cucumber
1/2 cup of raspberries
1/4 cup of water
1/4 cup of sugar
1 lemon
5-6 mint leaves
Ice
