Summer Spirit
Stay cool with this zesty twist on the traditional gimlet

Here’s a cool fact: The inside of a cucumber can be up to 20 degrees colder than the outside air temperature (hence the phrase “cool as a cucumber”). And in the midst of one of our notoriously scorching summers, who couldn’t use a little refresher? Next time you’re entertaining on the porch or backyard, surprise your guests with this heat-quenching concoction.

Cucumber Gimlet
Courtesy of Ocean Prime

1.5 oz. Bombay Sapphire gin
1 oz.    fresh lime juice
1 oz.    simple syrup
4-5       cucumber slices

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add cucumber slices, fresh lime juice and simple syrup to a shaker. Muddle with 3 ice cubes until cucumber is dissolved. Add gin and enough ice to fill shaker halfway. Shake gently, then strain into iced glass. Ocean Prime // 813.490.5288 // 2205 N. WestShore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607 //ocean-prime.com

Signature Libation

1/2 ounce Cruzan coconut rum
1/2 ounce Cruzan mango rum
1/2 ounce Cruzan pineapple rum
2 ounces orange juice
2 ounces pineapple juice
2 ounces cranberry juice
A splash of grenadine

Fill a mug or glass with ice and combine rums and juices. Stir well. Top with a splash of grenadine and garnish with a lime wheel and an orange slice.

Recipe courtesy of Rumba Island Bar & Grill, located at 1800 Gulf to Bay Blvd.,
Clearwater, FL 33765; 727.446.7027; www.baystarrestaurantgroup.com/rumbaisland

Libby’s Temptation

1½ ounces Goslings Dark Rum
½ ounce Goslings ginger beer
The juice of a freshly squeezed lime, to taste

Pour rum over ice, add ginger beer and lime to taste and stir.

Recipe courtesy of Libby’s Cafe & Bar, located at 1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239; 941.487.7300; www.libbyscafebar.com