Sometimes, especially as the weather warms, we crave a no-nonsense sort of cocktail that's maybe a little different from a margarita but not very. Given that the elderflower liqueur St. Germain has come to be known among bartenders as 'the bacon of the cocktail world' because it makes everything taste better, and given that we like any drink that has cucumber in it, this week's drink from the list at Hubert Keller's Burger Bar really hits the spot. We'd venture you could make a pitcher of this stuff for your friends and make everyone real happy, in your backyard or out on your porch, on one of our upcoming, balmy spring evenings.
The Escapology
1.5 oz. Ocho Plata tequila (or other silver, unaged tequila)
0.5 oz. St. Germain
1 oz. fresh lime juice
0.75 oz simple syrup
Four thin slices of cucumber
Fever Tree bitter lemon soda
In a shaker, muddle the cucumber with a splash of syrup. Add the rest of the ingredients besides the bitter lemon and shake vigorously. Strain over ice and top with the soda.