It’s hot right now here in the Bay Area, so I created this cool and refreshing Spring cocktail to beat the heat.

Cucumber, cilantro and lime combine to give this drink a mild flavor that makes it great for barbecues, pool parties … or just chilling out.

I have been seeing more bars offer cucumber cocktails, and I say it’s about time! You may even want to muddle some cucumbers into the drink.

This would go well with spicy foods.

I may make a kicked-up version of this cocktail using chiles!

Cool As a Cucumber

1.5-2 oz. white rum (depending on how strong you want it)
1 oz. cucumber-cilantro syrup (recipe below)
frozen cucumber and lime slices
crushed ice
club soda

Fill an old-fashioned glass one-quarter full of crushed ice. Then add the cucumber-cilantro syrup and rum. Top off with club soda. Put in frozen cucumber and lime slices. Garnish with lime slice and sprig of cilantro.

Cucumber-cilantro syrup (makes enough for 4 cocktails)

1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
juice of 1 lime
1/4 of a medium cucumber, chopped

Boil the water, adding sugar and 1/2 the cilantro. Let cool, then put in blender or food processor with the lime juice, cucumber and rest of cilantro. Refrigerate until ready for use.

* I know cilantro is a love-it or hate-it kind of herb, and I happen to fall into the “love-it” camp. If you hate it, you can try this same recipe with another herb. I would suggest mint, basil or rosemary. Let me know how it turns out, if you try that!

Other refreshing Spring cocktails:

Strawberry Basil Mojito
Lemon Verbena Spring Fling
even more Spring Cocktails
past drink of the week cocktails