French Maid Cocktail Recipe

What can I use instead of Velvet Falernum?

Velvet Falernum (pronounced fah-LEHR-num) is a spiced syrup that serves as an important ingredient in tiki drinks and all sorts of delightful Caribbean-style cocktails. There are two kinds — an alcoholic version that is basically low-proof rum infused with spices and sugar, and a non-alcoholic kind that is a syrup flavoured with almond, citrus, cloves, and other spices. If you can’t find Velvet Falernum, you can substitute grenadine or maple syrup. This will also bring down the alcohol content of the drink somewhat.

Tip: Whenever you use a substitute in a drink recipe, start by adding a small amount, and then adding a little more until you find the sweet spot that works for your particular palate.

How to muddle cucumber?

When it comes to muddling cucumbers to add to French cocktails like the French Maid, the main thing you need to remember is to go gently. The thing that makes this delicate aromatic fruit (yes, it’s a fruit – not a vegetable!) such a prized cocktail ingredient is the esters that impart its clean, mild taste. This is what you want to coax out with your gentle muddling, rather than the stringy bits of flesh that will result when you go in with too much gusto.

Here are a few steps that will pave the way for fantastic cucumber muddling when you mix up your French Maid cocktails:

• Choose a floral cucumber variety such as Japanese or Persian cucumbers if you can.
• Rinse and dry the cucumbers, and peel the skin gently.
• Slice the fruit in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
• Slice the cucumber into 5mm slices.
• Place the cucumber slices in the shaker along with the mint and sugar syrup.
• Gently push the muddling spoon into the cucumber slice while rotating your wrist, pressing the cucumber against the side of the shaker as you twist.
• Stop once you smell the distinctive cucumber aroma (around 6 or 7 twists should do it).