Still no kitchen! So what am I cooking tonight? Vodka Cucumber Smash.

There’s not much back story to this recipe, and frankly, at this point, who needs a story??!! I need my kitchen back. With my kitchen in turmoil, I’m like a fish out of water. I know it won’t be too much longer, but in the meantime, I’ll spend my time collecting (and making) recipes for cocktails. I have to admit, this has been fun!

I first had this cocktail, “Vodka Cucumber Smash,” at Tommy Bahamas Restaurant, in St. Armands, Circle, near Sarasota, Florida. It was so refreshing, and I’m a cucumber lover, so I was instantly in love. The bartender was nice enough to show me how to make it, while he was making me my second one.

Of course, the key to just about any drink is to use your favorite brand of alcohol.   I know that most of you have a favorite brand of vodka, but I’m going to recommend my new favorite…”Fair Quinoa Vodka.” Yes, quinoa. It’s really delicious. And could it be healthy??? Probably not, but if you are gluten intolerant, this is a good choice since most other vodkas are made from wheat.   Even if you aren’t gluten intolerant, it’s a delicious vodka. “Fair” is not easy to find, but I get it at “UnWined Boutique” in Millburn, New Jersey. As a matter of fact, this is a great little wine/spirits store, where you’ll find many uncommon wines and alcohol from boutique vineyards and distilleries. This is where I found  “Fair Quinoa Vodka,” and I’ve been a fan ever since.  It’s a great store to visit. Check out UnWined Boutique at www.unwined-boutique.com.   You just might find something as unique as quinoa vodka.

Cheers and Happy Forth of July!

Recipe:

2 ounces vodka

1 ounce St. Germain

juice of 1 lime

4 or 4 slices of peeled cucumber

splash of sparkling water, if you like

1  Peel and slice the cucumber, putting 3 or 4 slices into a glass, reserving one slice for garnish.

2.  Squeeze the limes into the glass with the cucumber.  Muddle (which really just means smash).

3.  Add ice cubes to the glass, then the vodka and St. Germain.  Stir well.

5.  Garnish with lime and cucumber.  Add a splash of sparkling water, if you like.

*Note:  You can make this in a shaker.  Shake it well and then pour into a glass and garnish.

**Note:  If you want this a little sweeter, you can always add a little sugar when you are muddling.