Drink(s) of the Moment: Square One Cucumber Vodka

Happy Weekend!  After the workday I had yesterday, I really couldn't wait for the weekend to start; sooo, I didn't.  Immediately after work, I dove right in and mixed a concoction (or two) using my new favorite 'vodka of the moment' - Square One Cucumber.  Now, I expected this vodka to be nice, but I never knew how inspiring it is.  There are SO many different and unique cocktails you can mix up with it, and it seems like all of them that I've tried to date are just so wonderfully refreshing, surprisingly tasty, and extremely drinkable.  I am also finding that they are an exciting change to the oh-so-common beverage rut we all find ourselves in every now and again.  Below, I've selected two of my favorites to share with you, though don't be surprised if you see more of these cucumber vodka based drinks in future 'Drink of the Moment' features.

My original focus was on the 'Celery Cup #1', which is a great little savory cocktail that mingles the cucumber with celery, lemon, and cilantro; but then I tried the 'H', which I'm sure must stand for 'Holy Crap this is a Fantastic Drink' instead of just the inventor's initial.  Both are quite lovely, and almost taste like a little sneak preview of spring, so they really go with the warmer snap we've gotten here recently.  I think I have found a new longstanding go-to drink in the 'H' too, which is no small feat.  If you give either of them a try, I promise your taste buds will love you.  Oh, and though it may be tempting, do NOT leave out the black pepper garnish in the 'H', it's amazing.

Celery Cup #1

Inspired by Pimm's Cup and Featured at the Slow Food Nation  2008 event in San Francisco. 1 1/2 oz. Square One Cucumber 1-inch fresh English cucumber 2-inch celery stalk (closer to the heart for sweetness) palm-full of cilantro 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz. Pimm's 3/4 oz. organic agave nectar or simple syrup 1 celery stalk for garnish (Credit:  H. Joseph Ehrmann)

In a mixing glass, muddle the cucumber, celery cilantro and lemon juice into a pulp.  Add remaining ingredients, cover in ice and shake hard for 10 seconds.  Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice and garnish with a piece of celery.

"H"

Simply named and nicely done.  This is a cocktail served at Quality Social in San Diego that is named after Square One mixologist H. Joseph Ehrmann. 1 1/2 oz. Square One Cucumber 3/4 oz. St. Germain Elderflower liqueur 3/4 oz. lime juice 1/4 oz. simple syrup Soda Water Cucumber sliced lengthwise and a sprinkle of pepper for garnish. (Credit:  Timothy Lacey)

Lay Collins glass on its side, slide cucumber slice along side of glass and then add ice to keep cucumber in place.  Pour all ingredients, except soda, into a mixing glass and shake well.  Strain into Collins glass filled with ice and cucumber slice.   Top with soda water and sprinkle of black pepper. Cheers!