Cocktail Hour: Cucumber Cilantro Gin Fizz

Clearly Mother Nature took note that summer season “officially” kicked off on Monday because it has been hot and muggy here in the Nation’s Capital. After the horrible winter we had, I made a promise to myself not to complain about the hot weather this summer. So, no complaining here – I’m just stating the facts, it’s hot and humid. Which happens to be excellent weather for a nice, refreshing cocktail. Perfect!

I was feeling a bit creative this week and came up with a new cocktail with ingredients I generally have on hand during the summer – cucumbers & cilantro. If you’re not a cilantro fan, I’m sure mint would be a great alternative. But I’m a big fan of herbal cocktails and I think the subtle cilantro flavor is perfect in this drink!

Cucumber Cilantro Gin Fizz (by A Feteful Life)

Ingredients

2 ounces of gin (preferably our local favorite Green Hat Gin)
3-4 thin slices of cucumber + 2 slices for garnish
3-4 sprigs of cilantro
.5  ounce simple syrup (recipe here)
2 dashes of Scrappy’s lime bitters
3 ounces mineral water (or club soda)

Directions

Add the 3-4 slices of cucumber, cilantro, simple syrup, and bitters to a shaker. Muddle the cucumber and cilantro. Add the gin and about a half cup of ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass with a large ice cube or two. Top off with the mineral water and add the additional cucumber and a sprig of cilantro for garnish.

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Cucumber-Radish Slaw

I originally intended to make a risotto for this post (and I’m sure I will at some point in the near future) but when I was at the grocery store last week I came across the most beautiful rainbow radishes and I couldn’t pass them up. On top of that, we had such a gorgeous weekend in store that I couldn’t bear the thought of being cooped up inside stirring my risotto. This simple slaw was just the ticket and was a beautiful addition to the flank steak we threw on the grill. Fresh, colorful, acidic and crisp. I think this may be my go-to slaw for the foreseeable future.

Cucumber-Radish Slaw (by Everyday Foods)

Ingredients

1-2 english cucumbers (I used one very large one)
4-6 radishes (to equal 1 cup)
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for seasoning
ground pepper
2 tablespoons finely minced red onion

Directions

Peel English cucumbers. Halve lengthwise; scrape out any seeds with a teaspoon. Slice cucumbers very thinly on the diagonal.

Thinly slice radishes. In a large colander, toss vegetables with coarse salt. Top mixture with a plate that fits inside colander; weight with a heavy object. Drain in sink 20 minutes; squeeze vegetables in paper towels to dry.

Transfer to a bowl; toss with minced red onion, cider vinegar, olive oil, and 1 teaspoon sugar; season with salt and ground pepper. Serve immediately.