A good summer sip can make or break a party.
Like good food, drink mixes range from generations-old concoctions that have stood the test of time to new and innovative drinks that are making big splashes at reunions, open houses and backyard barbecues.
Here’s a refreshing drink that combines fruit, vegetables, juice and gin.
Cucumber Collins with blueberries
1/2 cup seeded and chopped cucumber
Ice
1 1/2 ounces gin
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons simple syrup (see cook’s note)
1/4-1/3 cup club soda
Cucumber slices, blueberries and mint leaves for garnish
To a cocktail shaker, add the cucumber and muddle to extract all the juices. Fill the shaker with ice and add the gin, lime juice and simple syrup.
Shake and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with desired amount of club soda. Garnish with a cucumber slice and fresh blueberries.
Makes 1 drink.
Cook’s note: To make simple syrup, cook equal parts sugar and water over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Cool and refrigerate.
Adapted from Food and Drink magazine, summer 2009.
Tested by Susan M. Selasky for the Free Press Test Kitchen.
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