spicy cucumber serrano gimlet
Craving an eye-popping weekend cocktail? Just keep some water or milk nearby, because this one is spicy.
As the name might suggest.
Quick touch-and-go post today since Cocktail Friday doesn’t warrant a huge narrative. I don’t really think any food post warrants a huge narrative anyway, but alas…
I’ve really enjoyed this week. My biggest goal right now is to make space for rest and reduce my daily stress level, and so far I think I’m doing a pretty good job. I completed my third swim after an 8-month laziness hiatus and I’m regaining my endurance pretty quickly: I managed 400 yards straight and could’ve done more, but didn’t really see the need to. To a pro swimmer, 400 is chump change, but because I’m not competitive in the pool I really don’t mind more broken up sessions.
Really important, folks, to find pasttimes that truly make you happy, and to not define yourself by one vocation or interest. I find that facet of sport pretty dangerous, especially among casual partakers. I see it all the time – someone gets injured and loses their sense of self via getting wrapped up in this one single thing, rather than focusing on their multifaceted being. Sure, I’ve been there, but I’m improving at veering away from that singlemindedness. Helps that I haven’t been injured in awhile and truly enjoy several active pasttimes.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of your workplace or daily responsibilities? It’s good to have a fallback when one thing or another starts to feel like a chore. I view swimming and painting in that vein, things I love doing but don’t really care if I get amazing at either, and if I stop practicing, well, whatever. There’s always another pie in which to dip.
Cocktails are my culinary experiment that flows to mind when its meant to. I usually don’t consciously aim to develop a cocktail, except perhaps around the holidays. Warmer weather and the abundance of produce inspires me to get creative away from the oven, so I’m digging a dive back into mixology. This vodka gimlet is fresh, light, and brings the heat with a bite of serrano pepper.
Of course, a glass is quite tasty without the serrano, or even with jalapeno instead. If you like a surprise, though, I encourage you to give a nod to the pepper infusion. J’s eyes popped open when he took the first sip, and once the initial reaction wore off, he slurped it down easily.
The process is simple. Muddle fresh basil and mint, cucumber, lime juice, and honey. Add some vodka and a chopped serrano pepper. Shake it up, strain into an icy glass, and finish with an umbrella of fresh mint leaves and some extra cucumber if you’d like.
I’m privy to rimming cocktails that aren’t margaritas, so I like a halo of sugar on mine. This is optional, but a bit of sparkle never hurt anyone, right?
I’d say that’s a good motto for the everyday.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
More refreshing cocktails to try:
spicy cucumber serrano gimlet
Ingredients
- 4 basil leaves
- 4 mint leaves
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1-2 tbsp honey, to taste
- 1 serrano pepper, sliced
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- sparkling water, to top
- sugar, for rimming (optional)
Instructions
- If desired, run a lime wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass. Dip and swirl in a shallow bowl of sugar, tapping off excess. Add ice to the glass.
- In a shaker, muddle the basil, mint, cucumber, lime juice, and honey until squished. Add the sliced serrano and vodka. Fill with ice and shake until cold. Strain into prepared glass and top with sparkling water, extra mint leaves and cucumber, and serrano rounds, as desired.
