The Cucumber Gimlet Recipe- #Flower Cocktail Hour

The Cucumber Gimlet Recipe- #Flower Cocktail HourThe Cucumber Gimlet is truly a year round favorite. I create cucumber infused Vodka all summer long in hopes that I have enough to last the rest of the year. This delicious Gimlet has a subtle cucumber flavor- you'll be hard pressed not to order seconds!Recipe for Infusing Vodka with Fresh Cucumbers:Take one Cucumber and peel- in stripes down the center of the cucumber- slice the cucumber into 1/4 wide slices.Add the Slices and peels to a container with a cover... and fill with Vodka. I like to use Amsterdam or Svedka Vodka for infusing- but if you want to upgrade you can use premium vodka as well.Allow the cucumber ingredients to set in the vodka for 24-72 hours... the longer time frame will render a much more intense green color and stronger cucumber flavor. (Note: the cucumbers are not good for eating after- they are very bitter s0 when finished infusing - toss them)Once infused- I pour the vodka through a coffee filter to remove any sediment or seeds- this gives the vodka a much longer shelf life- I can infuse cucumber vodka and store for 6-8 months! Once strained I use a funnel and place the vodkb back into the original bottle and label with date and flavor.This recipe calls for Lime Juice- and I love nothing better than pressing my own fresh Limes - for juice. I invested in a commercial press- a few years back and I have it at the ready for fresh juice- whether it's Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Tangerines, or Grapefruit... fresh pressed fruit juices are the best... and come in handy for Gimlets, Mimosas and other Flower Cocktail Hour Favorites!Recipe for the Cucumber GimletFill a Cocktail Shaker with IceAdd 1 -2 Jiggers Cucumber Infused Vodka- (See notes above on how to infuse Vodka with Cucumbers)Add 2-3 Tablespoons Simple Syrup- I like Organic Kane Sugar Simple Syrup or Make my own with Honey and distilled waterAdd a Splash of Fresh Lime Juice (about 1 -2 Jiggers)Shake well- Strain and pour into a Martini Glass...I like to chill my glass by filling with Ice and water- and allowing to stand for a few minutes... this keeps the Gimlet Icy!I like when the little ice chips form on top of the surface...Garnish with a slice or two of Fresh Cucumber (don't use the Cucumber slices from the infusion... You've been Warned)Enjoy!