Garden Party Gimlet

Step 1 -In a saucepan over medium heat, add the water, the sugar, and 1/2 cup of the basil leaves and bring the mixture to a simmer, while stirring gently.

Step 2 -Simmer the sugar mixture until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly.

Step 3 -Strain the basil simple syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or heatproof measuring cup. Discard the basil leaves.

Step 4 -Allow the basil simple syrup to cool to room temperature.

Step 5 -In a cocktail shaker, add 3 of the cucumber slices and muddle them gently until they release their juices and are fragrant.

Step 6 -Add the gin, the lime juice, and 3/4 ounce of the basil simple syrup to the shaker. Reserve the remaining basil simple syrup for another use.

Step 7 -Fill the shaker with the ice and shake it vigorously for 10-15 seconds.

Step 8 -Fill a rocks glass with the ice.

Step 9 -Strain the cocktail into the rocks glass over the ice.

Step 10 -Garnish with the remaining basil leaf, the extra cucumber ribbons, and the lime wheel and serve.