Cucumber Rickey

Though it's mid-September, it still feels like summer in DC (it was 97 degrees out last weekend!), and we technically all still have another week before autumn officially starts. 

I made this cocktail a few weeks ago with mint that I'm growing in my small-but-mighty terrace garden, and it was really refreshing and different. I personally love ginger beer, and this is a great way to incorporate some fresh elements into a cocktail.

So if you are still craving a bit of summer before fall officially starts, try these out!

Cucumber Rickey 
Adapted from shake 
Makes two

4 shots of vodka
1 handful of fresh mint leaves (plus a few for garnish)
6 slices of cucumber (plus 2 for garnish)
1 T fresh lime juice
1 can ginger beer
Ice cubes

1. Add the mint leaves, cucumber, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
2. Using a muddler, muddle the ingredients in the bottom of the shaker until thoroughly crushed.
3. Add the vodka, and then ice to above the level of the liquid mixture, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
4. Strain mixture into pint glasses containing ice cubes, top with about 1/2 can of ginger beer, and garnish with remaining cucumber slices and mint leaves.