COOL AS AN EFFEN…
With all the spice and rich flavors that come with the holiday season, I still require refreshment that reminds me that spring will be in session soon. My Cool as an Effen… is a tangling Mentha Cucumis sativus ode to the vernal equinox that came about recently and is served on New Year’s Day to symbolize renewal, but, of course, can be served all year ‘round.
PREP/MIX TIME: 5 Minutes
Yields 2 Cocktails
INGREDIENTS
1 Tb – Granulated Sugar
8 – 10 Torn Sprigs of Fresh Mint, plus Some for Garnish
5 – 6 Slices of English Cucumber, plus Some for Garnish
1 Oz – Effen Cucumber Vodka
1 Oz – Stoli® Vanil™
1 Oz – Simple Syrup (recipe below)
1 (2 Ltr) Bottle – Lime Flavored Seltzer or Sprite Soda
SIMPLE SYRUP
1 Cup – Sugar
1 Cup – Water
THE NITTY GRITTY
SIMPLE SYRUP – In a medium saucepan, bring to a boil sugar and water; till sugar dissolves. Allow to cool. Store in an air-tight glass container, preferably a Mason jar; syrup lasts no more than two weeks.
COCKTAIL – In a mixing glass, muddle sugar with mint and cucumber to a pulp. Fill mixing glass with ice, combine Effen Cucumber Vodka, Stoli Vanil, and simple syrup. Stir till your fingers feel like you’ve been ice fishing for an entire day (approximately 1 minute). Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and top off with seltzer or Sprite. Garnish with mint and cucumber slices and enjoy.
DECEMBER 2, 2018
