Drink of the Moment: July 4th Edition

In the spirit of the weekend, I thought I would share a nice summery beverage that should be enjoyed properly outside on a patio with a slight breeze (or a patio ceiling fan, or a child hired to fan you with a palm frond, etc) while socializing with a group of friends, or maybe just enjoying your own company in a state of calm.    It combines one of summertime's signature fruits - watermelon; with one of summertime's signature vegetables- cucumbers; AND it's a lovely reddish pink color to uphold the patriotic aspect of the weekend.

While it does require a little bit of prep work to be made 'properly', I found that I was able to do a little cheat that got me to the end result without one bit of embarrassment when served.  If I were hosting an exceptionally elegant luncheon with proper linen towels and the company silver then maybe I would put in the extra effort, but until then, I'd totally recommend my little cheat.

Watermelon Refresher

Light, flavorful and summer-y.                                  2 oz. Square One Cucumber vodka 1 1/2 oz. watermelon juice* 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 1/4 oz. organic agave nectar (or to taste) 5 sprigs of mint Ice (Credit:  Allison Evanow)

Remove leaves from all but one sprig of mint, reserving that sprig for garnish. Place mint leaves and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker and muddle for 15 seconds. Add ice, vodka, watermelon juice and lemon juice and shake for 15 seconds. Strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a mint leaf. * Watermelon juice - Take one cup cut watermelon and place in blender. Blend on high until pureed. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain mixture into a glass or bowl. Discard remaining solids from strainer. Will yield enough juice for 4 cocktails.

So, that is the proper way to make the drink, watermelon juice included, though if you're like me you realized that the drink might not ever be made if you had to strain watermelon.  Because I thought this sounded so good, and I happened to have watermelon that I didn't care to blend and then strain, I just chose to muddle the watermelon with the mint and agave in a separate step.  I found that this little shortcut worked out lovely for my current needs.

Enjoy!

Drink of the Moment: Gimme a Gimlet

If the recent warm weather, and tomorrow being the first day of spring hasn't lifted your spirits then I have the remedy you're looking for - the Vodka Basil Gimlet.  Even if you have been over the moon because of the weather and the arrival of spring, then adding this to the mix will only enhance the experience.

Vodka Basil Gimlet


3 oz Square One Botanical vodka

1 1/2 oz lime juice 
1/4 oz simple syrup or agave (or to taste)
3-5 stalks of basil


Muddle basil, simple syrup/agave and lime juice in shaker.  Add vodka and ice and shake vigorously.  Pour  into highball glass over ice.  Garnish with lime slice or basil sprig. Enjoy (on a porch or patio if available)!


This drink was such a hit with everyone (even those who normally prefer a beer to a cocktail).  The fragrance alone had everyone pausing for a second to take in the basil aroma before having their first yummy sip.  Be prepared though if you plan on making these with others around, as I found myself having to batch my mixing.  On that note, if you're entertaining, I would probably advise on just going ahead and making a pitcher - that way everyone can help themselves and you can take the time to enjoy as well.

Cheers!

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!