A refreshing and luxurious cocktail full of fresh juice, a touch of vodka, and a splash of ginger beer. Perfect for sipping on the patio with friends, or treating yourself after a long day.
Peel the cucumber, then cut off the ends. Cut the peeled cucumber into 1/2" thick slices. Muddle two at a time in a pint glass, producing 1/2 ounce of fresh juice per two slices. Strain juice through a fine mesh sieve into a glass measuring cup, then pour into a cocktail shaker.ALTERNATIVELY // Peel skin, cut off ends. Slice the cucumber, then roughly chop it. Add chunks to a blender, blend until fully liquified; 1 minute. Double strain into a measuring cup, then pour into a cocktail shaker.
Strain grapefruit juice to remove pulp. Add to the cocktail shaker with the cucumber juice. Then add lime juice, mint leaves, vodka, and a handful of ice to the shaker.
Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to break up the ice and chill the shaker down considerably.
Strain the shaker contents over fresh crushed ice into two old fashioned glasses. Top each cocktail with ginger beer, give a quick stir, and serve with mint leaves as garnish.
Notes
The cucumber skin has a different texture and taste than the flesh of the cucumber. Removing the skin before chopping insures appropriate taste.