Help me make a cucumber gin fizz

[dusty]

Gf loves these things and it's her birthday tomorrow. I've got gin, some cucumber juice I just made, some cilantro-infused simple syrup, club soda and limes. Now what do I do?

 

[Kent Wang]

For my old buddy dusty, cause we go way back.

There's not a set recipe but try:

1. cut lime into 8 pieces, put into shaker
2. add some cucumber slices into shaker. Peeling the cucumber first may be a good idea as some skins are a little bitter.
3. add sugar or simple syrup (sugar crystals are a little better because they abrade the lime, expressing more of the oils)
4. muddle with a muddler; if you don't have a muddler you could pound it with a spoon
5. add ice and 2 oz gin
6. shake vigorously
7. fill a highball glass with fresh ice
8. strain the shaker into glass
9. add some soda, stir a bit
10. drink out of it with a straw (optional)

I personally don't like club soda, I find it just waters down the drink. As an alternative, I much prefer egg white because the frothy texture is really nice and it better expresses aromatics. Yes, raw egg white; don't worry it's safe, all the good bars do this.

1. put one egg white into your empty shaker
2. shake just the egg white by itself first
3. follow above directions 1-6
4. strain into a cocktail glass

Have you tried Hendrick's gin? It has some rose and cucumber, if your lady friend likes cucumber so much.

I don't know about cilantro; I'm not a fan of it in cocktails. You could also try mint, or even fresh cilantro.