Vodka Cucumber & Lime

I first had a variation of this drink called the “Cool Hand Cuke,” at the Ashmont Grill in Dorchester, MA.  I then tried a much sweeter version called a “Dead Rise” at Legal C Bar in Dedham, MA.  Lastly, while waiting for the rest of my party to arrive at Fugakyu in Brookline, MA (that’s a really great sushi place, I’m not secretly swearing at you), I asked the bartender to make me the drink below.  It was such a hit that he was making them all night for the rest of the people in my party.  This drink is probably my favorite drink of the summer. The cucumber makes it really refreshing and the lime cuts the underlying strength of the vodka.  Did I mention this drink packs a punch? No? Well it does, so drink in moderation!

Total Calories: about 190

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Vodka (About 60 Cal./ oz. or 180 Cal. Total)
  Recommended: Tito’s Handmade Vodka or Ketel One, but you can also substitute Hennessy Gin
  
• 2 half-inch thick slices of cucumber (or more according to taste — about 1 Cal./slice)
• 2 lime wedges (or more according to taste — about 20 Cal./lime or 5 Cal./slice)
• 3 Large Cubes of Ice
  Substitute: Crushed Ice
  
• 6 oz. Club Soda / Seltzer Water (or more depending on how strong you like your drink)
  Substitute: Flat water / No water
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of simple syrup (that’s sugar dissolved in hot/warm water — about 5 Cal./Tbs.)

Kitchen Equipment:

• 1 oz. or 1.5 oz. shot glass, jigger, or measuring cup
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Short or tall drink glass depending on preference
• Muddler / mallet
• Spoon

Directions:

1. Take your cucumber and cut off two half-inch wide pieces after removing the end of the cucumber.
2. If you have a muddler, place one of the cucumber pieces into your glass and gently crush it (you’re not trying to pulverize the cucumbers, just rough them up a bit and give them a few bruises).
   Note: If you do not have a muddler, you can use a clean meat tenderizing mallet on your cutting board, which is what I do.  If you don’t have either of those just use a fork.
3. Repeat with the second slice of cucumber.
4. Place the ice on top of the cucumbers (this keeps them from moving around too much).
5. Pour the vodka over the ice.
6. Squeeze one lime wedge into the drink and drop the wedge into the glass.
7. Pour the club soda in and mix the ingredients gently with a spoon.
8. Garnish the drink with another lime wedge and/or a piece of cucumber.

Enjoy!