Cool as a Cucumber -- Hendrick's Gin.

There is something about summer that makes me crave gin. Maybe it's the water sweating through a glass of cold gin and tonic with the refreshing splash of lime as you sit on your front porch/step/stoop/curb watching summer pass lazily by. Whatever it is, it's around this same time that my mind begins to dream of diving into an abyss of the coolness known only as the refreshing taste of a cucumber. So, imagine my delight with Hendrick's gin with its notes of cucumber and rose petals that goes so well in a chilled cucumber martini. I fully realize that opening my "The Fabulous World of Gin" blog with a post on a cucumber martini is a risk, but really in the oppressive heat of summer nothing cools the spirits more (so I'll take that risk.)

Cucumber Martini

2 1/2 oz Hendrick's Gin
1/2 oz Dry Vermouth (optional)
Shaved cucumber

Advice:
Chill your martini glass in advance. Stir (or shake) gin and vermouth with ice in a martini shaker or pint glass. Keep in mind you're not just chilling the gin (which you could do by storing it in the freezer) you're also mixing it with the water molecules that melt into the gin which enhances the flavor. Next strain the gin into your chilled glass and use a vegetable peeler to first peel your refrigerated (helps keep things chilled) cucumber and then shave thin slices of the cucumber into your glass. If you want a garnish keep a third of your cuke unpeeled and cut slices for the edge of the glass.

Do you taste the subtle citrus peel and more obvious juniper in addition to the rose and cucumber in Hendrick's gin? Hendrick's claims its gin is "not for everyone", but the truth is it is gin itself that seems to have more than a few who don't appreciate what it has to offer. This is a shame, and I hope these people come to their senses and realize that while they imbibe in the tasteless drudgeries of vodka and its ilk they're missing out on a treasure trove in gin's unique infusions. They likely will not, but really that's okay because Hendrick's is only brewed in small batches (so that means more for me.)

To find out more about Hendrick's gin (or sample cocktail recipes for this unique gin), visit www.hendricksgin.com.

Up Next: Shaken or Stirred?