Cocktail of the Month: Cucumber Mint Sangria

As an aspiring wine snob, I tend to prefer my wine plain. My favorite example – why add orange juice when champagne is so great on its own? Sorry to all the mimosa devotees out there…I know my view is highly controversial.  This caveat aside, I can’t get enough of this Cucumber Mint Sangria.

Sangria is always a great drink choice for the summer, and this one is especially light and refreshing. The cucumbers and mint not only look beautiful in the glass, but it’s the perfect combo for a hot summer evening. Not to mention, I was really happy to get a chance to take advantage of myherb garden again while it lasts!  It’s such an easy drink to make too, if you haven’t already been convinced.

Another great thing about sangria is that it’s a nice way for people who maybe don’t love the dryness of wine too much to still get their wine fix, as the cucumbers and sweetness make the drink much more approachable. Plus, sangria is an excellent way to take advantage of an inexpensive bottle of wine since you’re mixing together so many different delicious flavors anyway.

Cucumber Mint Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 seedless cucumber (thinly sliced)
• 1 lime (thinly sliced)
• fresh mint
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 bottle of Sauvignon Blanc*

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumber, lime slices, and mint leaves in a large pitcher. You can chop the mint a bit for added flavor, but the drink tends to look prettier if the leaves are whole.
2. In a small bowl, stir together honey and lime juice until entirely combined.
3. Pour the lime juice and honey mixture into the pitcher.
4. Pour in wine and stir gently.
5. Cover and chill for at least two hours, and then serve!

*I used a Sauvignon Blanc, but any drier white would go well. You could try a dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio, but I would avoid Chardonnay because the heaviness of the flavor may not mix as well.

The Cucumber Mint Sangria is the perfect refreshing, light drink to savor in these last days of summer. At 170 calories a glass, this drink isn’t too bad if you’re worried about your diet. And if you’re looking for something even lighter, there’s always the option of topping the drink off with a bit of soda water and turning it into a spritzer!  Cheers!

-Noori Chishti

CACHACA: A Brazilian Rum

What is Cachaça?

By Brazilian law, Cachaça is defined as a beverage with an alcohol content of 38-54% by volume, made from the distillation of fermented sugarcane juice.  It’s made exclusively in Brazil and has gained popularity internationally in recent years.

History of Cachaça

Cachaça has been around for over 400 years, and is even older than rum. It was first given to Brazilian slaves, to both dull their pain and give them energy.  How awful.

Eventually, Brazil’s wealthy came to appreciate the spirit as well, and cachaça became one of the country’s most popular products.

Difference between Cachaça and Rum

Both rum and cachaça are made from sugar, but rum is made from sugarcane by-products, like molasses, whereas cachaça is made straight from the sugarcane itself.  However, cachaça is a bit more tart than rum.

In the United States, Cachaça is recognized as a type of rum and distinctive Brazilian product after an agreement was signed in 2013 with Brazil.

Types of Cachaça

Cachaça, like rum, has two varieties: unaged (white) and aged (gold). White cachaça is usually bottled immediately after distillation and tends to be cheaper.  It’s what’s usually used to prepare caipirinhas and other beverages in which cachaça is an ingredient.

Dark cachaça, usually seen as the “premium” variety, is aged in wood barrels and is meant to be drunk straight.

How to Drink Cachaça

If you know me, you know one of my all-time favorite cocktails is the Caipirinha, which also happens to be the national cocktail of Brazil. To me, it’s better than a margarita. Sorry, tequila.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of Cachaça
• Half a lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 teaspoons white sugar

Directions:

Muddle the wedges in a rocks glass with sugar. Add Cachaça and top with ice. Stir and serve.

Cheers!
Ashlee