BLACKBERRY, MINT, & CUCUMBER GIN SPRITZER

Can you believe there are only a few weeks of Summer left? That means now is the time to squeeze in as many of your favorite summer activities before Fall is officially here. I still have a pretty long list of things that I want to do this summer, but to be honest I just want to eat as many peaches and plums as I can before they are out of season. You might already be thinking of the different ways you plan on enjoying your last days of summer. Maybe you want to take one last trip to that lake you love? Or how about that hike you have been wanting to go on? I am sure the options are endless, but may I humbly suggest carving out a night where you and your friends get together, make a fleet of summery drinks, and watch the sunset. Sounds pretty good, huh?

CUCUMBER & MINT SIMPLE SYRUP
Yields about 3/4 cup

• 1/2 Cup Evaporated Cane Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 6 Cucumber slices, 1/2 inch thick with skin removed
• 2 Large mint sprigs, about 15 leaves
• Equipment: Saucepan, fine mesh sieve, jar or other sealed container

METHOD

1. Place sugar and water in sauce pan and set to medium hight heat. Remove from heat once mixture comes to a boil and the sugar has dissolved. Add the cucumber and mint and let steep for about 30 minutes. Strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve and into a sealable container.

Store in refrigerator for up to two weeks.

BLACKBERRY, CUCUMBER & MINT GIN COOLER
Makes 1 drink

• 1/4 Cup Blackberries, about 6
• 5-6 Teaspoons Cucumber Mint Simply Syrup
• 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
• 2 ounces Gin
• Ice
• 3 ounces Soda Water
• Equipment: Muddler, 1, 8 oz glass

METHOD

1. Place the blackberries and lemon juice in a cup and muddle until berries are broken down. Mix in about 5 teaspoon of the simple syrup into the mashed berries. If your prefer a sweeter drink add an additional 1-2 teaspoons of syrup to your drink.
2. ............................

For full instruction please see: kristan-raines-y1t8.squarespace.com

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