Cucumber Tomato Smash Cocktail Food

BASIL CUCUMBER SMASH

Steps:

• In a Collins glass, muddle cucumber, basil, and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add vodka and crushed ice. Stir until well chilled. Garnish with an additional cucumber slice and basil leaf.

CUCUMBER GIN SMASH

Steps:

• Muddle sugar, cucumber and basil in an old-fashioned glass. Add gin and crushed ice. Top with club soda and stir.

CUCUMBER TOMATO SMASH COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Cut 4 thin slice from cucumber; reserve for garnish. Slice remaining cucumber and transfer to a large pitcher; add parsley, vodka, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and pepper. Crush contents using a heavy wooden spoon or mojito muddler.
• Stir in Heinz Tomato Juice; chill for 1 hour to infuse flavours. Strain juice into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with reserved cucumber slices. Makes 4 servings.
• TWISTS:.
• TWIST 1: For a refreshing, sodium-free, cocktail that's suitable for kids, seiniors and everyone in between, use Heinz Tomato Juice, 50% less salt, and omit the vodka.
• TWIST 2: For a lower-sodium cocktail, use Heinz Tomato Juice 50% less salt.
• TWIST 3: For an herbal variation, try crushing fresh basil, dill or mint instead of parsley.
• TWIST 4: For an alcohol variation, use gin instead of vodka.

CHINESE SMASHED CUCUMBERS WITH SESAME OIL AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Rinse cucumbers and pat dry. Cut crosswise into pieces about 4 inches long. Cut each piece in half lengthwise.
• On a work surface, place a piece of cucumber (or several) cut side down. Lay the blade of a large knife flat on top the cucumber and smash down lightly with your other hand. The skin will begin to crack, the flesh will break down and the seeds will separate. Repeat until the whole piece is smashed. Break or slice diagonally into bite-size pieces, leaving the seeds behind.
• Place the cucumber pieces in a strainer and toss with a big pinch of salt and a big pinch of sugar. Place a plastic bag filled with ice on top of the cucumbers to serve as a weight and place the strainer over a bowl. Let drain 15 to 30 minutes on the counter, or in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 4 hours.
• Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine salt, sugar and rice vinegar. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Stir in sesame oil and soy sauce.
• When ready to serve, shake cucumbers well to drain off any remaining liquid and transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with grapeseed or olive oil and toss. Add half the dressing, half the garlic and the red pepper flakes to taste, and toss. Keep adding dressing until cucumbers are well coated but not drowned. Taste and add more pepper flakes and garlic if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds.

STRAWBERRY SMASH COCKTAIL

Steps:

• In a tall glass, combine the sugar, one smashed ripe strawberry, and a squeeze of juice from the lime wedge. Muddle with the back of a spoon to dissolve the sugar.
• Add the sliced strawberries and lightly muddle.
• Fill the glass with ice and add the gin or vodka. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with the last strawberry.