Original Cocktail

In the Game of Mr. Potato Head you win, or you… win?

Most of my creations are built from the skeleton of existing classics. TBH, most of the “classics” are, too – see Death & Co’s Cocktail Codex for a deep exploration of the concept. I’ve played with The Last Word as a starting point before (examples coming soon), but this latest riff is really something special.

In its standard form (Lime, Gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino) it can end up too sweet – a common complaint about the drink. This, however, depends on both precise proportions and on varietals selected for each ingredient.

The present takes a different tack, substituting an unsweetened Cucumber Vodka from a craft distillery (Re:Find) located in Paso Robles CA. Fermented/distilled from grapes, then infused with fresh cucumber peels (OH, so many hand-peeled cucumbers) this vodka by itself tastes like sipping cucumbers. Substituting this for the maraschino (even the drier Maraska brand) drops the sugar content, ups the proof, and eliminates any “sweet” complaint.

The result is a perfect summer cocktail, cold, refreshing, and dry.

Specs

3/4	oz	Gin (Hendrick’s preferred)
3/4	oz	Green Chartreuse
3/4	oz	Cucumber Vodka (Re:Find preferred)
3/4	oz	Demerara Syrup
Garnish		Cucumber Slice & Single Mint leaf

Directions

As is typical (but not universal) with citrus-inclusive cocktails, this beauty is shaken with cube ice and strained into a chilled martini-style cocktail glass – the wide surface allows the bouquet to shine.

I garnish by floating a thin slice of a cucumber and adding a lightly-bruised fresh mint leaf. I personally do not double-strain – the tiny ice chips add a nice texture and refreshment to this summer classic.

Side note on ice: If you have what is known in the industry as “trash ice” – i.e. if it comes from your freezer – the best approach is to use MORE of it – it will chill faster and dilute less that way.

Tasting Notes

This drink starts with a burst of tart, which immediately yields rich cucumber flavors and even hints of sumac (common in Mediterranean salads.) The freshness of the mint and cucumber fills your senses with herbal and chlorophyll notes – this drink is extremely refreshing, not bracing. The relatively low sugar content still has considerable body (often called “fat.”)

This has been touted by a trusted cocktail critic (Lulu) as the “best dry up-drink of the summer!” We expect repeat requests for this one throughout the season.