I fear I’ll run out of summer Fridays before I run out of refreshing summer cocktail ideas, so I’m posting two today. So many cocktails to try, so little down time. Hiccup.
Today’s drinks are for my friend Jes, who has a surplus of cucumbers. She’ll need one (or both) of these after a long day of teaching kids at her new job.
Cucumber Caipiranha
Serves: 1 cocktail
Classic caipirinhas are made with rum, lime and sugar. This one has a couple of twists: muddled cucumber and some club soda for bubbles!
Ingredients
Per cocktail
3 slices cucumber, each ½ inch thick
½ lime, cut into two wedges
1 teaspoon raw (turbinado) sugar
1½ ounces white rum or cachaca
Club soda
Additional cucumber slices and lime rounds, for garnish
Instructions
In a short glass, thoroughly muddle lime wedges, cucumber slices and sugar.
Fill glass with ice and pour in rum. Top with club soda.
Mix by pouring into another glass and then back into your drinking glass.
Recipe adapted from Market-Fresh Mixology: Cocktails for Every Season.
Note for Jes, who loves mojitos: You could totally muddle mint with the cucumber and lime to make this a cucumber mojito.
- 2½ cups watermelon, seeds removed, cut into chunks
- ½ large English cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
- 3 ounces vodka
- Optional garnishes: cucumber slice, lime slice and/or small watermelon wedge
- Place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl or pitcher.
- In a blender, puree the watermelon and cucumber chunks.
- Pour mixture through the sieve into the bowl. Use the back of a big spoon or rubber spatula to squeeze all the juice into the bowl.
- In a small bowl, stir together lime juice and honey.
- Pour the lime juice and honey mixture into the watermelon and cucumber juice, along with vodka. Adjust sweetness with more honey if desired.
- To serve, fill two glasses with ice and top each with cocktail. Garnish with cucumber and lime slices.
This is the fourth installment of my summer cocktail series! Don’t miss the others: beautiful red bell, strawberry smash, and rainier cherry mojito.
Maria @ A Platter of says
This is the perfect drink for the hot Southern Summer we are having. They seem so refreshing. And so pretty the colors.
Maria@Orchard Bloom says
I’ve never thought of using cucumber in an alcoholic beverage before, but this sounds intriguing. I’m going to give it a try! Your photos are fantastic by the way. What camera do you use?
kate says
Thanks, Maria! I use a four-year-old Nikon D80 and a 50mm f1.8 lens. I love that lens for food photography.
Marla Meridith says
These cocktails are stunning. Love those little watermelon wedges.
la domestique says
So pretty! Both drinks look fantastic! Love the fresh flavor of watermelon and cucumber.
The Dinner Belle says
I love a refreshing cucumber cocktail in the summer. I blend the cucumber and then strain it to concentrate the juice before I mix with lime juice & booze! Add some jalapeno to the blender for some extra spice in your cocktail-first you get cooling cucumber & then a kick at the end from the jalapeno. Drink it Up!
The Dinner Belle for Kimberlybelle.com
kate says
Yum! I never thought to try adding jalapeno. I actually have some jalapeno-infused vodka in my fridge. I’ll have to try it with cucumber like you suggested!
Kimberley says
Cucumber caipirinha is like the best idea ever.
fresh365 says
You have the best cocktail recipes! The watermelon one is calling my name on this rainy afternoon. I need a taste of summer!
Kendall says
I loved drinking caipirinhas when I visited the Brazilian border a few months ago. Now that I’m back home in Argentina, and it’s just turning spring here I can’t wait to try your cucumber version. What an elegant touch!
Kola says
Is it possible to avoid adding vodka? I don’t take alcohol yet, am dying to try this
Kate says
Sure! You’ll end up with some tasty cucumber mocktails that way.
Taunya says
Great recipes! i tried this with gin as well and it was a hit, but i did scale back the watermelon a bit. Very good! Loving your site!
Veta Christy says
Love your blog, you are such a talented cook but – more pictures of Cookie, please!!! A picture of Cookie in every recipe would be nice! P.S. Crispy tofu is best ever!