Ginger Cucumber Amore--a drink recipe from the garden

Michelle Leon

An experiment with the flavors found in Thai cooking.

​Using the freshest of the season's ingredients--this time, cucumber--we continue to share drink recipes that make the most of the harvest. We named this cocktail Ginger Cucumber Amore because the flavors blended in such a heavenly way. While some have considered gin to be intimidating in a mixed cocktail, the unique notes--especially when mixed with citrus--are becoming very popular, adding an extra dimension of floral and herb. Using the proportions of this recipe--base (gin), modifier (ginger liqueur), citrus (lime), and sweet (cucumber simple syrup)--it is easy to create your own recipes with different bases and modifiers--and especially fun to get creative with fresh herbs in your simple syrups. We hope you enjoy this recipe influenced by the beautiful flavors found in Thai cooking.

Ginger Cucumber Amore

2 oz. gin
*3/4 oz. ginger liqueur (recommended: Domaine De Canton)
1/2 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. cucumber simple syrup (dissolve equal parts sugar and water, add fresh cucumber, let rest and cool for 1 hour)
lemongrass to garnish
Shake all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and strain into a chilled glass. Use lemongrass, cut lengthwise to expose the heart, as a stirrer.

*Budget tip: You can infuse an inexpensive brandy or cognac with fresh ginger for an alternative to Domaine De Canton. Simply fill a jar with spirits, add about 1/4 cup of fresh ginger and let infuse to desired flavor (about 1-3 days).