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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Garnish & Finish
Method
Prep
Prepare cucumber and basil
Peel cucumber and slice into 4 medium rounds. Reserve one very thin slice or use a vegetable peeler to create a long cucumber ribbon for garnish. Pluck 6 fresh basil leaves; set one small sprig aside for garnish.
Mixing
Muddle basil and cucumber
In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the 4 cucumber slices and 5 basil leaves (reserve one leaf lightly for aroma). Add 0.5 oz simple syrup and muddle gently — press firmly to release cucumber juice and basil oils, but avoid pulverizing the basil into bits.
Add spirits and citrus
Add 2 oz vodka and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup) to chill and slightly dilute the mixture.
Shake
Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well chilled.
Double strain
Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass (use a fine mesh strainer along with the shaker strainer) to remove small bits of basil and cucumber for a clean, silky drink.