Gin and Cucumber Basil Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar - for decorating the glass – optional
• 8 basil leaves
• 8 slices cucumber - about 5mm thick
• 2 tbsp sugar syrup - *See Tip
• 50 ml (1.75 oz) gin - Tanqueray or Hendricks is a good choice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Crushed ice
• Splash of tonic water - my fave is naturally light Fever-Tree
• Strips of cucumber - use a vegetable peeler to make these
• A few basil leaves to decorate

Process:

1. Make a sugar rim on the glass by dipping the rim of the glass in a sauce of water. Spread the sugar on another saucer and dip the rim of the glass in the sugar.
2. Place the basil leaves and cucumber in a cocktail shaker and muddle (or gently bash) with a muddler or wooden spoon until the basil and cucumber are bruised and the scent is released.
3. Add the sugar syrup, gin, lemon juice and ice. Shake vigorously until frost forms on the outside of the cocktail shaker.
4. Fill your glass with ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.
5. Top up with tonic water. Decorate with strips of cucumber and basil leaves.