Summer has arrived in earnest, and July always brings bright, fresh summer cocktails to the distillery. A perennial fan favorite here is the Cucumber Caipiroska – we’ve been making it every summer for years, and each time it comes back on the menu it’s a signal that the warmest season has arrived. It’s the ultimate summer cocktail – bright, refreshing and super delicious.
One of our favorite parts about this cocktail is its endless possibilities for customization. The base recipe uses cucumber, simple, lime & the spirit of your choice, but you can also jazz it up with any number of fresh fruits, herbs or veggies from the bounty of your summer garden (or your local farmer’s market!). We’re partial to muddling in a few slices of radish along with the cucumber, or muddling in a few leaves of our favorite fresh herb – basil, oregano, dill and mint are all great pairings for the cucumber.
Cucumber Caipiroska
Muddle in Mixing Tin:
3 slices of Cucumber
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Plain Simple
Add:
1½ oz North Shore Vodka or Gin No. 11 or Aquavit – Private Reserve
Muddle cucumber, lime and simple in a mixing tin. Add vodka, fill shaker halfway with ice, then shake well and pour entire contents of shaker into a rocks glass. Garnish with a fresh slice of cucumber.
