Soju Cucumber Cooler

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine the roughly chopped cucumber pieces and fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a large cocktail shaker or pitcher. Muddle firmly for about 30 seconds until the cucumber releases its juice and the mint is fragrant but not shredded.

2. 2

   Add the honey or agave syrup, fresh lime juice, and fresh lemon juice to the muddled cucumber mixture. Stir well to dissolve the honey completely into the citrus juices.

3. 3

   Pour 1 cup of soju into the shaker along with the sea salt and 1 cup of ice cubes. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 20 to 25 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.

4. 4

   Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing the solids to extract maximum cucumber flavor. Discard the solids.

5. 5

   Add the cold sparkling water or club soda to the strained mixture in the pitcher and stir gently once or twice to combine without losing carbonation.

6. 6

   Fill four tall glasses with fresh ice cubes. Pour the soju cucumber mixture evenly among the four glasses, filling each about three-quarters full.

7. 7

   Garnish each glass with 2 to 3 thin cucumber slices arranged along the rim or floated on top, a fresh sprig of mint pressed gently between your palms to release aroma before placing it in the glass, and a jalapeño slice if using the spicy variation.