Cucumber Basil Martini

CulinaryQueen's Note:

Our friend Steve from the States sent me this and he said he got it from Food & Wine Magazine. I thought it looked interesting and am posting it here for safe keeping.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 1

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 piece cucumber, 3 inch piece, peeled, seeded and diced
• 3 basil leaves (tear up 2 of them)
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ice

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the hot water.
2. Press the grated ginger through a fine strainer set over the bowl, releasing the juice.
3. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the diced cucumber with the 2 torn basil leaves.
4. Add the ginger syrup, gin, lime juice and a handful of ice.
5. Shake well, then strain into a martini glass.
6. Garnish the martini with a cucumber slice and the remaining whole basil leaf and serve.

Reviews

[JamaMama]

It's wonderful and fresh! I added a little St. germaine instead of the ginger for a variation and really enjoyed that also.

[Rita~]

I really enjoyed this refreshing drink! It is some what Healthy!!! :) I did just zest the ginger into the shaker. Made for http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=308850 Magic Of Herbs! Thanks bunches!