In this weeks COTW "Imagine a cocktail that makes you feel as refreshed as a morning meditation."
This weeks COTW is the Resolution refresher
Welcome to the About Mansfield COTW 2025! I'm your favorite master mixologist Brian Certain, and we're kicking off the new year with a series dedicated to innovative cocktails that will define drinking trends in 2025.
This month's theme, "New Year, New Sips," explores fresh takes on classic cocktails, incorporating wellness trends and sophisticated flavor profiles that reflect our evolving palates.
Today's feature is the "Resolution Refresher" - a cocktail that embodies the clean, crisp energy of new beginnings. This gin-based creation pairs the botanical complexity of premium gin with fresh cucumber juice, brightened by lime and elevated with elderflower liqueur.
What makes this cocktail special is its balance of sophistication and wellness. The cucumber provides hydration and freshness, while the elderflower adds a delicate floral note that's trending in 2025's cocktail scene. It's perfect for those wanting to maintain their wellness resolutions while still enjoying a refined cocktail experience.
Let's head to the bar and craft this beautiful drink together...
Don’t worry about taking notes as I am giving out the ingredients and instructions. They are always posted on bourbongospel.com
Ingredients
- 2 oz premium London dry gin
- 1 oz fresh cucumber juice
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
- 0.25 oz simple syrup
- Cucumber ribbon and edible flower for garnish
- Fresh ice
First Things First - Let's Juice That Cucumber: Take a nice cucumber, peel it (those skins can be bitter), rough chop it, and throw it in your blender. Give it a good whirl until it's smooth, then strain it through a fine strainer. Pro tip: you can do this a day ahead and keep it sealed in the fridge.
Or make your life simpler and go to Central Market and get it already fresh made for you.
Now for the Fun Part:
- Fill your shaker with ice - fresh, clean ice, folks, not that stuff that's been hanging in your freezer forever
- Pour in 2 ounces of gin - that's about a heavy shot
- Add an ounce of your fresh cucumber juice
- Squeeze in 3/4 ounce of lime juice - about half a lime if you're eyeballing it
- Add 1/2 ounce of that beautiful elderflower liqueur
- Splash in 1/4 ounce simple syrup - you can always add more but you can't take it out!
Shake It Up: Give it a good, vigorous shake - we're talking about 12-15 seconds, or until your hands get cold. You want to wake up all those flavors and get everything nice and frosty.
Strain it into your prettiest chilled cocktail glass - I love a Nick & Nora glass for this, but any elegant cocktail glass will do. If you want to get fancy (and who doesn't?), take your vegetable peeler and make a long, thin cucumber ribbon. Drape it over the edge of the glass, maybe add a tiny edible flower, and boom - you've got yourself a gorgeous cocktail that's both Instagram-worthy and absolutely delicious.
Quick Tips:
- Make sure everything's cold - warm cocktails are sad cocktails
- Taste your cucumber juice before using it - some are sweeter than others
- If you're not an elderflower fan, you can swap in a touch of Lillet Blanc
- This one's super refreshing - perfect for day drinking or fancy brunches
Flavor Profile
- Primary: Crisp cucumber, botanical gin
- Secondary: Floral elderflower, bright citrus
- Finish: Clean, refreshing with subtle sweetness
Perfect for new year celebrations, wellness-focused events, or any occasion calling for sophisticated refreshment.
That's it, cocktail crew! Let me know how yours turns out - shoot me a message or tag me in those photos!