Having picked the theme for this month’s Mixology Monday, I’ve been pondering for quite a bit on what sort of “mocktails” would best serve as a suitable offering. In fact, this is probably one of the most difficult themes I’ve had to work with, simply because mixing non-alcoholic drinks are not something move bartenders and enthusiasts consistently think up and craft on a consistent basis. Without spirits and liqueurs to help balance other non-alcoholic ingredients, think can quickly get overly sweet or citric. It is indeed, if you forgive the pun, quite the balancing act.

For me, I wanted to take a refreshing drink idea and layer in complex flavors to help build a harmonious libation. I’ve been working on a lot of asian inspired recipes as of late, and instantly thought that would be a good starting point. It’s been a really busy past few weeks and I’ve taken a bit of R&R from blogging and I started to imagine how a lot of people think of quiet, calming and zen like qualities of a trip to high-end spa when it comes to a little R&R. Whenever you see adds or commercials advertising fancy spas you see cucumber facials and people drinking calming teas, two flavors that can work very well together. Very good for a Collins style recipe with adding a little citrus sugar and some crisp fizz, and you may just forgo the expensive reservations and vacation requests and trade them in for a comfy outdoor chair and umbrella. Cheers.

Spa Day

3/4 oz Home Made Lime Cordial

3/4 oz Home Made Cucumber Syrup

2 oz Brewed Green Tea, Chilled

2 oz Soda Water

dash Scrappy’s Lavender Bitters

Combine all ingredients except soda water over ice. Shake and strain into an ice filled Collins glass and top with soda. Garnish with cucumber slices and a fresh lavender sprig if available. Sip and enjoy.

Home Made Cucumber Syrup

1 cup Water

1 cup Chopped Cucumber

1 cup Superfine Sugar

Combine cucumber and water in a blender or food processor. Blend briefly and place contents into a container with a lid and refrigerate overnight. Fine strain with cheesecloth and mix cucumber water with sugar in a mixing tin. Cover and shake till sugar is dissolved fully. Refrigerate till use.

Home Made Lime Cordial

1 1/2 cups Water

3/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice

1 1/2 cups Superfine Sugar

Zest of 3 Limes

1 tsp Citric Acid

1/2 tsp Tartaric Acid

1/4 tsp Powdered Ginger

Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan and bring to boil. Lower heat to a light simmer and continue heating for 2 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool. Place cordial in the refrigerator and cover with plastic wrap and let sit overnight. Fine strain ingredients over cheesecloth and refrigerate till use.