Evening Star Recipe

Prepare cucumber juice

Thinly peel and trim about 2–3 inches of English cucumber. Put the cucumber pieces into a fine mesh strainer and press with the back of a spoon or use a muddler to extract approximately 0.5 oz (15 ml) of fresh cucumber juice. Alternatively, grate the cucumber and squeeze through cheesecloth to yield the same amount. Chill until ready to use.

Chill glass

Place a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer, or fill with ice and cold water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Build and shake

In a cocktail shaker, add 1.5 oz Crop cucumber vodka, 0.5 oz Farmer's gin, 0.75 oz Lillet Blanc, 0.5 oz fresh cucumber juice, 0.25 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup. Add 4 ice cubes to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold and a light frost forms on the outside.

Double strain and serve

Discard ice/water from the chilled glass. Using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer, double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe/Nick & Nora to remove ice shards and any cucumber solids, leaving a clear, silky drink.

Garnish

Create a long, thin cucumber ribbon with a vegetable peeler and twist it into the glass or rest it along the rim. Add an edible flower or a small sprig of microgreens if using. Serve immediately.

Tasting notes

The Crop cucumber vodka provides a bright vegetal backbone, Farmer's gin adds a touch of herbal juniper complexity, and Lillet Blanc lends soft floral and citrus notes. The fresh cucumber juice keeps the drink light and refreshing while the small amount of lime and simple syrup balances acidity and sweetness.