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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Prep
Gather ingredients. Lightly clap 2 basil leaves between your palms to release aroma and set aside for garnish. Cut a thin cucumber wheel or peel a long ribbon for garnish.
Muddle
In a cocktail shaker, add 3 cucumber slices, 4 basil leaves, and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle 6–8 times — press to release cucumber juice and bruise basil but avoid pulverizing the herbs to prevent bitterness.
Combine
Add 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup).
Shake
Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well chilled.
Double Strain
Double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or an ice-filled rocks glass using a fine mesh strainer to remove cucumber bits and herb fragments. If you prefer a longer, lighter drink, pour over fresh ice in a highball and top with 1 oz club soda.
Garnish & Serve
Garnish with the reserved lightly-clapped basil leaf and a cucumber wheel or ribbon. Express a basil leaf over the drink once more to release aromatics before placing it on the surface. Serve immediately.