Aloe Cucumber Refresher

From Top Chef.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 24 8 ounce

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1  lb fresh ginger, cut in 2-inch chunks
• 1⁄2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2  large English cucumbers
• 1  liter sparkling water
• 1⁄2 cup  aloe juice

Directions

1. Ginger basil syrup:.
2. Over medium heat, bring water and sugar to a boil. Chop ginger and mince with ¾ of the Italian basil. Add ginger and basil to the syrup and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain and cool.
3. Cucumber juice:.
4. On a low setting of a blender, mix one and a half of the cucumbers (chopped) with a dash of sparkling water. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Fill an 8 oz glass with ice. Add 2oz-3oz each, to taste, of ginger/basil syrup, aloe juice, and cucumber juice. Top with a splash of sparkling water for bubbles and zest. Garnish with basil remaining and a cucumber wheel.
5. Makes 24 8 oz. serv.