refreshing cucumber mixed drink

Ingredients:

6 limes, rinsed
1 cup mint leaves, no stems, plus sprigs for garnish
3 washed, unwaxed cucumbers
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups Vodka or Gin (preferably Hendrick's gin)
Sparkling water

Directions:

Slice 3 limes and place in a pitcher. Juice the rest and add juice to pitcher. Add mint leaves. Slice 2 cucumbers and add, then add sugar. Muddle ingredients together with a muddle or spoon. Add vodka or gin, then place in refrigerator to steep at least 30 minutes. Peel remaining cucumber and cut lengthwise into 6 spears. Fill 6 highball glasses with ice. Strain mixture from pitcher into each. Top each with a splash of sparkling water, garnish with a sprig of mint and a cucumber spear and serve. To serve 'up' skip the sparkling water, shake with ice and serve in martini glasses. Not for the light of heart -- but tasty if you like the actual flavor of gin.

Serves: 6

Comments:

From the New York Times Ultimate Cocktail Contest