After a long week and lots of work here at Kelapo, we are glad that it is finally Friday! Happy hour is a fabulous start to kick off a good weekend.  I usually don’t get out of the office in time to participate in happy hour but when I do, I like to enjoy a light, not too unhealthy mixed drink.  I’m a fan of the lower calorie, you know, skinny, cocktails.  My usual go-to has always been the classic Sex in the City drink, the Cosmo.  Vodka, cranberry, and a splash of lime.

About a year ago, a restaurant opened up in Tampa, called Ocean Prime, and a girlfriend told me to try their Cucumber Gimlets.  Gin is not a drink that I would normally choose but since the gimlet was recommended as light and crisp, almost South Beach like, I decided I’d try it.  Delicious!  It definitely tastes like sparkling cucumbers on the rocks.  It is already pretty low-cal, as the only ingredients are gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and cucumber but here is another way to make it even more nutritious.  If alcoholic drinks can be nutritious!

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin,

1 oz fresh lime juice,

1 packet Stevia or 1 oz agave nectar,

4 to 5 slices of cucumber,

crushed ice,

2 oz soda water

Step 1: Cut 4-5 slices of cucumber and add to glass

Step 2: Add lime juice (fresh or store bought)

Step 3: Add agave or stevia but don’t add both!

Step 4: Add 1.5 oz gin

Step 5: Add 3 ice cubes and muddle all ingredients together

Step 6: Pour into glass with ice and enjoy!

Variation: Add soda water before drinking for an even lighter, refreshing drink.

Have a happy, Happy Hour enjoying your new favorite, Cucumber Gimlets!