White Linen – Handcrafted Cocktail for Summer

Hello everyone..! The Connoisseur is back again and I hear you are thirsty…which seems to happen quite a bit in the summer heat…or the winter chill…or..?

I have touched in the past on a few excellent summertime libations: The Caipirinha, Pimm’s Cup, Mint Julep, various Margaritas and more. Today I have yet another cocktail for you, this one in the “handcrafted” category. Handcrafted is rather a bar buzzword at the moment, generally referring to a cocktail that employs ingredients not from a bottle. Fruits, vegetables, herbs and the like can all be part of the mixology, infused, muddled or otherwise.

As far as I can tell, the White Linen cocktail originated at Ella Dining Room and Bar in Sacramento, California. A very kind bartender was gracious enough to supply the particulars. Give it a try and let me know what you think, and if you are ever in central California, be sure to stop by Ella and sample chef Randall Selland’s work – highly recommended!

White Linen

· 1 ½ oz gin – the bartender recommended Broker’s Dry Gin.
· ½ oz St. Germain Elderflower Liquor
· ½ oz Simple Syrup
· 1 oz Lemon Juice
· 5-6 thin slices English cucumber

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake well. Strain into a highball glass with ice, top with soda water and garnish with a cucumber.