Cucumber Basiltini

4 fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 half lime
2 oz. cucumber vodka
¾ oz. simple syrup
club soda
ice

Put basil leaves and sugar into shaker. Muddle with a wooden spoon (or a muddler, if you have one.) The sugar will help to break apart the basil and bring out the fragrant herby-oil. Mmm.

Fill shaker about halfway with ice on top of the basil leaves.  Pour in cucumber vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Cap and shake-shake-shake until a frost forms on the outside of the shaker. Strain mixture into a martini glass, and pour in about an ounce of club soda for some fizz.

Garnish with a basil leaf and a thin slice of cucumber on top.

Sip & relax. You're cool as a cucumber.

Makes 1 drink.