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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Method
Cocktail
Prepare glass
Chill a coupe or a rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
Muddle aromatics
In a cocktail shaker, place the fresh basil leaves and the thin cucumber slice. Add the simple syrup. Gently muddle 6–8 times—just enough to bruise the basil and release the cucumber juices and aromas without turning the basil bitter.
Combine spirits and citrus
Add the gin, lime juice, and elderflower liqueur to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup).
Shake
Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and frosty. This chills and lightly dilutes the cocktail while aerating it.
Double strain
Discard the ice or water from your chilled glass. Double-strain the cocktail (using a Hawthorne or fine strainer) into the chilled coupe or into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, depending on your preferred service.
Top (optional)
If you prefer a lighter, more refreshing drink, top with about 1 oz soda water. Do this gently to preserve the aromatics.
Garnish and finish
Express a basil sprig over the drink by lightly clapping it between your hands to release oils, then drop it into the glass. Float the thin lime wheel on the surface or place it on the rim. Serve immediately.