Pepino Especial

Hendrick’s Gin has more of an herbal flavor and less on the juniper.  There is a hint of cucumber.  It’s one of those subtle nuances that I would never have picked up on if not told it was there.  But this “hint of cucumber” has brought forth a plethora of “Cucumber and Hendrick’s” drinks.  They all taste a lot like cucumber to me, which is fine in a salad, but one that I find less than appealing in a cocktail.  I came up with this drink that combines the herbal flavors of Hendrick’s, St. Germaine and Chartreuse with cardamom and cucumber.  The cucumber is muddled just enough by the ice cubes.

• 1 ½ oz. Hendrick’s Gin
• ¾ oz. Chartreuse
• ¾ oz. St Germaine Elderflower Liqueur
• ½ oz. Cardamom Syrup
• 2 slices of cucumber
• 1 oz. Lemon Sour
• Dash of rhubarb bitters

1. Chill an old fashioned glass with ice and water
2. Add all ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice cubes
3. Shake well with ice 10 – 15 sec.
4. Strain into chilled glass over fresh ice
5. Garnish with cucumber slice