Back to School!

So yesterday was the first day of school, which is bittersweet for me. On the plus side, I have my mornings back, with more time to do all the things I love...like scrubbing toilets and folding laundry. Oh wait, I mean going to yoga class and having lunch dates with my girlfriends (and husband on occasion). But on the other hand, I miss my kids when they are gone, and miss the freedom that comes with the carefree days of summer vacation. We are officially back on...soccer is on, music lessons are on, homework is most definitely on....

But with each school year, comes a new beginning, a fresh start, a reason to get organized and an excuse to celebrate, especially when the kids all end up with great teachers and are excited to be back at school.

And what better way to celebrate than with a good cocktail? (Love that segue there?) This one is light and refreshing and as cool as a cucumber. In fact, cucumbers infuse the vodka that is then spiked with a bit of fresh ginger juice, sweetened with simple syrup and topped with club soda. By the way, if you don't know how to make simple syrup (or are too lazy to do it, like me) Trader Joe's now sells it in a bottle!! It would be a great addition to an Asian-inspired meal...or just on its own. Be careful, though, it's a little too thirst quenching, if you know what I mean, and very easy to drink...ahem.

So here's to a great school year, to much learning and growth, and lots of fun too. Cheers!

Cucumber Ginger Spritzer (makes 6)

At least one hour before serving, chop up one English cucumber and place in a large measuring cup with 1 1/2 C of vodka. Chill. When ready to mix the drinks, fill each low-ball glass with crushed ice, 2 oz. of the infused vodka, 1 oz of simple syrup (which is quite easy to make), a squeeze of lime and 1 t of fresh ginger juice (grate some ginger into a paper towel and squeeze out the juice). Top with club soda and garnish with thin, long slices of cucumbers. Mix and drink. Slowly. Just sayin'...