Lenora Recipe

Muddle aromatics

In a cocktail shaker, place the 3 thin cucumber slices and 4 fresh basil leaves. Add the simple syrup. Gently muddle 6–8 times to release cucumber juice and basil aroma — avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness from the basil stems.

Add 2 oz gin, 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice and 2 dashes orange bitters to the shaker with the muddled aromatics.

Fill the shaker with ice (about 3/4 full) and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.

Double-strain the mixture (using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer) into a chilled Collins glass or a highball glass filled with fresh ice (use the cubed ice listed). This removes solids and gives a smooth texture.

Top with 2 oz chilled sparkling water or club soda, gently stir once with a bar spoon to integrate.

Make a cucumber ribbon by thinly slicing a cucumber lengthwise (use a peeler or mandoline). Thread the ribbon inside the glass against the ice or curl it on a pick. Add one fresh basil leaf on top for aroma. Optionally, express a lemon twist over the drink and discard or use as a secondary garnish.

Serve immediately with a straw if desired. Encourage the drinker to sniff the basil before sipping to enjoy the layered aromatics.