Adeena Sussman pauses during her Vail Symposium drink seminar to sip on a gin elixir.
Author, cook and recipe developer Adeena Sussman graced The MorningNoon&Night Show June 23 and whipped up one of her refreshing summer drinks – an herbal cucumber gin elixir.Sussman had a group of local drink enthusiasts chopping, mixing and boiling ingredients for summer drinks in a seminar sponsored by the Vail Symposium. Most of Sussman’s drinks involve a homemade syrup. The gin elixir involves a tasty and simple mint syrup which is later combined with lime juice, gin and basil leaves for a refreshing summer sipper. Sound tasty? Here’s the recipe … Mint Syrup(Makes about two cups syrup)1 large bunch mint2 cups sugar 1 cup waterHerbal Cucumber Gin Elixir (Makes six drinks)1 large English cucumber1/4 cup water, plus more if needed 1 bunch basil leaves, tinsed and dried1 cup infused gin (see instructions below)1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon lime juice1/3 cup mint syrup (see instructions below) basil leaves, mint leaves and cucumber slices for garnishoptional: splash seltzer waterPreparation: Two days in advance: Rinse and dry basil leaves. Slide basil leaves into gin bottle, or remove gin from bottle, place in large mason jar or bowl with basil, and infuse in refrigerator for two days. Rinse cucumber well. Slice six thin rounds from end of cucumber with rind on. Cut a half-inch notch into each round and reserve for garnish. Peel remainder of cucumber. Slice 10 thin rounds from end; reserve from garnish. Chop remaining cucumber into 1-inch pieces. Place in blender with water. Blend until totally liquefied, about 20 seconds. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or regular colander fitted with a triple layer of cheesecloth. Combine cucumber "water", gin, lime juice and Mint Syrup in a pitcher. Add all but six cucumber rounds, plus one large sprig each basil and mint. Fill six glasses with ice. Divide mixture evenly. If desired, top with a splash of seltzer. Garnish with cucumber slice, and mint or basil.
Want to learn more about recipes? Visit Sussman's Website at http://www.adeenasussman.com.
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