Basil Cucumber Martini

• Ginger simple syrup:
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon hot water
• 1 teaspoon fresh finly ground ginger
• Martini:
• 1 3-inch cube skinned and seeded cucumber cut up in chunks
• 2 oz of gin or vodka
• 3 basil leaves torn (leave one whole)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1. In a small bowl mix sugar and the hot water together. Using a fine strainer, press the fresh ginger through the strainer over the bowl to release it's juices.
2. In a shaker muddle 2 basil leaves (torn) with the cucumber until mashed well.
3. Mix in the vodka or gin, the ginger simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and ice. Shake well and strain in chilled martini glass or over rocks. Garnish with a whole basil leaf and a thin slice of cucumber.

ginger simple syrup, sugar, water, ground ginger, martini, cucumber, vodka, basil, lime juice

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/basil-cucumber-martini-50039995 (may not work)