Cucumber-Basil Martini

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon sugar
2. 1 tablespoon hot water
3. 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
4. One 3-inch piece of cucumber—peeled, seeded and diced, plus 1 round for garnish
5. 3 basil leaves, 2 torn
6. 2 ounces gin
7. 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
8. Ice

1. 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.
2. 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 martini glass. Garnish the martini with the cucumber slice and the remaining whole basil leaf and serve.