This is a simple trick I picked up in Moscow. The cucumber absorbs some of the “sting” of the vodka, giving it a smoother taste. On a very hot day, this can be a refreshing way to start your party at the country dacha!

1 European* cucumber, chilled
Vodka (or other hard liquor)

Chop the cucumber into 3-inch segments, trimming the ends so each piece has a flat bottom. Hollow out the segments into shot glasses and add chilled vodka. 

*Don’t try this with an American cucumber, which is mostly seeds and goo in the middle. I made this mistake when I offered these shots to friends in the US, and the alcohol leaked out of the bottom. European cucumbers are more solid on the inside and will do a better job of holding liquid.

Image: The photo is from a set of instructions by Imnopeas on the Instructables website. I had my own recipe up here before I saw theirs, but perhaps it shows that great minds think alike. And, it’s an attractive photo!