Recipe: Lindy Brown’s Icelandic Maid

Icelandic Maid

The Maid is a favorite of sommelier and spirits expert Lindy Brown because it has so many variations. You can do a Kentucky Maid with bourbon, the Old Maid with gin, or the Jalisco Maid with tequila. It’s versatile, and a true crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Reyka Vodka
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup (see note below)
• 3 slices cucumber
• 3 sprigs fresh mint

Instructions:

• Put two slices of cucumber in a cocktail shaker and muddle gently (press against edges of shaker with a spoon, or pestle-like tool called a muddler).
• Add two mint sprigs, vodka, lime, and simple syrup. Shake and strain over fresh ice in a double rocks glass. Garnish with a cucumber wheel and mint sprig (gently slap mint first to express oils).

Note: To make simple syrup, combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Leftover syrup can be saved for later use.