Here’s a super refreshing beverage that brings together two summer favorites: cucumber and basil. Enjoy it with or without alcohol – both are thirst-quenching and delicious.
Ingredients:
1 cucumber, thinly sliced (¼ - ½ inch)
12-15 fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp agave or simple syrup (to make simple syrup: mix equal parts sugar and water over low heat)
3 tbsp lime juice
Seltzer water or club soda
Gin (for cocktail version)
Instructions:
Place cocktail glasses (we simply use wide-mouth mason jars!) into the freezer ahead of time to chill.
Slice cucumber, leaving a few to the side. Remove basil leaves from stems.
Place cucumber and basil into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle.
Add lime juice and agave/simple syrup into the cocktail shaker. Fill about ¾ of the way with ice cubes. Cover and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
Strain into chilled cocktail glasses. Top with seltzer/club soda (if adding gin for a cocktail version, leave room and add it now). Give a quick stir.
Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a basil leaf!
Yields about 2 servings