We like our green juice and we like our cocktails—and we refuse to think you can’t have both. But reading a featured drinks list at our favorite local, there are times when we wonder if there might be just one that won’t ruin our weekly resolutions to minimize the sugar and empty calories (they’re called #goals, people). So we went on the hunt and found the answer on our doorstep at The Thompson Toronto, where our new best friend, bartender Nick Bowers (learn more about him below), made us two summer-perfect cocktail that we can enjoy at home (relatively) guilt free (minus the totally healthy dose of alcohol, that is).
Basil Cucumber Smash
(~165 cal)
2 oz TROMBA TEQUILA BLANCO (~128 cal)
1 oz FRESH LIME JUICE (~8 cal)
1/4 oz SIMPLE SYRUP (1:1) (~19 cal)
2 oz (1/2 inch section) CUT CUCUMBER (~8 cal)
8 BASIL LEAVES (~2 cal)
one > Muddle the cucumber, basil into the simple syrup in a Cheater tin to extract flavours
two > Add Tromba and lime juice.
three > Fill with ice and shake until thoroughly chilled
four > Double strain into an ice filled rocks glass.
five > Garnish with a basil leaf and slice of cucumber.
FAVORITE DRINKING SOUNDTRACK?
"Anything by Flume or Keys N Krates."
FAVORITE TOM CRUISE COCKTAIL-ERA BARTENDING TRICK?
"All the bottle flipping is cool and all, but what really impressed me was Tom Cruise’s wicked jump shot."
LIQUOR OF CHOICE?
"Whisky, It’s great to mix cocktails with or just shoot straight."
COCKTAIL OF CHOICE?
"A classic rye Manhattan."
A Summering Affair
(~208 cal)
3/4 oz GREY GOOSE VODKA (~52 cal)
1/2 oz ST. GERMAIN ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR (50 cal)
1/4 oz LUXARDO MARASCHINO LIQUEUER (~27 cal)
1/4 oz CRÈME YVETTE (~27 cal)
1/2 oz FRESH LEMON JUICE (~2 cal)
TOP WITH MOET ET CHANDON BRUT IMPERIAL CHAMPAGNE (~2 oz)(~50 cal)
one > Add all ingredients to a Cheater tin except for the Champagne
two > add ice and shake until thoroughly chilled
three > Double strain into a champagne flute and top with Champagne
four > Garnish with a lemon twist.
MOST MEMORABLE COCKTAIL?
"I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the Caipirinha. It was one of the first cocktails I feel I truly perfected. Not to mention Cachaça is delicious."
BEST HANGOVER CURE?
"Crying in the shower. Just kidding, it would have to be a pint of beer on a patio."
PERSON YOU WOULD MOST LIKE TO DRINK WITH?
"My grandfather, I have very few memories of him. From all the stories I hear from my family apparently he was a blast to drink with and was constantly making people laugh."