With a few bold carving strokes (and the help of an apple corer), transform a few simple cucumbers into these guest-pleasing shot glasses

These organic cucumber shot glasses are an amazing way to get your next party started. They are a great accompaniment to tequila, gin, vodka or even sake. They look stunning and are a pleasure to hold in your hand. They impart a gentle cucumber accent, but are mostly about the texture and visual effect.

Step 1: Ingredients & Tools

3-4 large organic cucumbers. as straight as possible ( yield 2 to 3 glasses per cucumber depending on size)

coarse flake salt (such as a fleur de sel)

apple corer

6-inch chef's knife
3-inch paring knife
(both knives preferably Wusthof, as they have the best carving edge)

Step 2:

Lay the first cucumber flat on a cutting board and slice both of the tapered ends off so what remains is an even cylinder.

Cut the cucumber crosswise into 2 inch cylinders. Each cucumber should yield at least 2 shot glasses. Continue down the length of the cucumber to make as many 2 inch cylinders as possible. Repeat for each cucumber.

Stand up cucumber sections on end and make sure they are level and even -- now is the time to make any adjustments.

Square off each cucumber by slicing top to bottom to create a square shape (see photo). You should aim to have little of dark green skin at the corners as it makes the shot glass more dramatic.

Set aside the slices you just cut off, as you will later use them to make matchstick stirrers.

Step 3: Core Cumcumber

Insert an apple corer into the top of each squared cucumber and hollow out the center. Leave 1/2 inch at bottom of cucumber so liquid won't leak out.

Use a paring knife to clean out any remaining seeds or rough edges.

Cut reserved cucumber slices into matchsticks. Set aside.

Step 4: Bottoms Up!

Place shot glasses onto serving tray. Insert one matchstick into each shot glass. Fill shot glasses with your favorite spirit and serve.

For added effect, sprinkle serving tray with coarse flake salt.

I love filling these cucumber shot glasses with a dry sake, placing them on a cold serving tray and offering them to guest as they walk in the door. Sake goes really well with these, but you can also substitute vodka, bin or even tequila. I have a wonderful recipe for a cucumber gin rickey that I want to try (hint: basically, cucumber, gin, and lime muddled with a little simple syrup).

Bottoms up!