Summer may be winding down, but cucumber season is here! 

I got some amazing, crisp, sweet cucumbers from my brother's garden last week, and finally got to make the Cucumber Mojito that I've been dreaming of since I last had one (or a few) in Chicago last summer with my long-time besties for our big birthday celebration.

Sometimes you never know what you're gonna get when ordering or making a mojito, but this Cucumber Mojito recipe is perfection! 

A word of advice, don't skip making the simple syrup. 

I've made mojitos before on the fly, and always just muddled the sugar in with mint and limes.  It might be a quick fix, but it's so not the same.  The simple syrup is a must.

Another tip:  Be sure to strain your mojito. 

Some bartenders will make you a mojito right in the glass they serve it in, and you're left sucking up chunks of mint and whatever else through your straw.  Perry's, on Union Street in San Francisco, became a favorite spot for me and my old roommate to get a mojito, simply because one of the long-time bartender's there took the time to strain them.  So much better (and worth a Sunday Funday stop if you're in the city)! 

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

10 cucumber slices

* 2 shots white rum

1/8 cup fresh mint leaves

2 limes, juiced

Seltzer water

Ice

Cucumber slices and sprigs of mint to garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring the water to a boil on the stove in a saucepan.  Add the sugar and stir until it's fully dissolved and then quickly remove it from heat.  Set aside and let cool.

2. In a cocktail shaker, add the cucumber slices and mint leaves.  Muddle together.  If you don't have a muddler, using a spoon will work too.

3. Add the fresh lime juice, rum, and 2 shots of simple syrup.  Shake well.

4. Top off the mixture with seltzer water in the shaker.  Mix all ingredients together gently with a spoon.

5. Add ice to your serving glass(es).  Using a strainer, pour your Cucumber Mojito cocktail mixture over the ice.

6. Add cucumber slices and mint sprigs to garnish and enjoy!

This recipe serves 2.  You'll have left over simple syrup, so if you don't use it up on more mojitos, you can save it in the fridge for use later.  If you're having a party, be sure to make extra simple syrup ahead of time, because your guests will be wanting more!

* To make a virgin mojito, simply omit the rum!

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .