Cucumber Smash Recipe
Make Cucumber Smash Recipe in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cucumber Smash
Method
Cucumber Smash
Prepare cucumber
Trim and peel (optional) half an English cucumber and slice into 1/2-inch rounds. Reserve one thin round for garnish. Place the remaining slices in a measuring cup or bowl and lightly mash with the back of a spoon or a muddler until you have about 1/2 cup of broken-up cucumber and a little juice.
Muddle with mint and sweetener
Place the mashed cucumber and 8 fresh mint leaves into a shaker. Add 0.5 oz simple syrup and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice. Gently muddle 6 of the mint leaves with the cucumber and liquids — press enough to release oils from the mint and more juice from the cucumber but avoid shredding mint into tiny bits.
Add spirits and ice
Add 2 oz gin to the shaker, then fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, until the shaker is cold and the mixture is well combined.
Double strain
Place a fine-mesh strainer over a rocks glass filled with crushed ice (or a highball with fresh ice). Pour the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and then through the fine-mesh strainer to remove mint bits and cucumber solids, producing a smooth drink.
If you prefer a boozier version, omit the soda water. For a non-alcoholic mocktail, replace gin with chilled green tea or seedlip/seedless spirit and follow the same steps.