Mixology 101

Sake Refresher
(makes one drink)

The essence of cucumber muddled with the freshness of mint makes for a super-refreshing and not-so-sweet cocktail to par with Asian foods. This drink is especially good served with sushi.

1 sprig fresh mint
4 slices fresh cucumber
¾ ounce simple syrup
1 ½ ounces vodka
½ ounce sake
¾ ounce fresh lime juice
Garnish: thin cucumber slice

Tear mint sprig and drop into a cocktail shaker. Add cucumber slices and simple syrup. Mash ingredients together with a muddler or the back of a spoon. Add vodka, sake, and lime juice. Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of cucumber.