While Lounging Poolside...

[Picture by barnonedrinks] Drink This. Cucumbers are no longer just for your garden salad. Since it is now officially summer, you should be drinking cocktails that are more suitable for the season. Everyone has their go-to drink, but it is sometimes fun to break that routine. This recipe for a Cucumber-Basil Cocktail, courtesy of Food & Wine, is extremely refreshing and tastes great. You can also impress your friends with your mixology skills when making it for them. The recipe is as follows:

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbs. sugar

1 tbs. hot water

1 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger

One 3-inch piece of cucumber—peeled, seeded and diced, plus 1 slice for garnish

3 basil leaves, 2 torn

2 oz. gin

1 tbs. fresh lime juice

Ice

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the hot water.

Press the grated ginger through a fine strainer set over the bowl, releasing the juice.

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the diced cucumber with the 2 torn basil leaves.

Add the ginger syrup, gin, lime juice and a handful of ice.

Shake well, then strain into a highball glass.

Garnish the cocktail with the cucumber slice and the remaining whole basil leaf and serve.