20 Cocktail Recipes to Help You Ring In the New Year

Serves 4 to 5
-- 2 or 3 Persian cucumbers or 1 regular cucumber, seeded
-- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
-- ½ cup water
-- ½ cup light agave nectar
-- your favorite gin (Hendrick's, with its flowery, botanical flavor, is my pick)
-- ice cubes

Coarsely chop enough cucumber to get ½ cup. Slice the remaining cucumbers into thin rounds for garnish. In a standing blender or food processor, thoroughly puree the lime juice, water, agave nectar, and chopped cucumber. Strain the pulp through a fine-mesh strainer. For each drink, mix 2 ounces (¼ cup) booze with 2 ounces (¼ cup) cucumber lime syrup. Add ice cubes and cucumber rounds for garnish. Courtesy of Erin Scott.