Cool Cucumber Collins

This drink is definitely worth the work.  Refreshing and tart it is the perfect cool down for when the warmer days arrive.

Fill a highball glass three quarters full with ice.  Add 1 1/2 oz gin or vodka and 1 basil leaf, torn.  Top with 3 oz club soda.  Add 1/4 cup Cucumber Ice and a crack of black pepper.  Garnish with a basil leaf.

CUCUMBER ICE
Peel 1 cucumber and chop into pieces.  Put into a blender and puree.  Pour through a sieve to collect cucumber juice in a bowl, pressing down to extract as much juice as possible.  To the bowl, add 2 oz lime juice and 1 oz simple syrup.  Stir to mix.  Pour into a flat tray to freeze.  After 30 minutes remove the tray and use a fork to break up the mixture into a slush.  Place back in the freezer until ready to use.

SIMPLE SYRUP
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a pot.  Over medium high heat boil until sugar is dissolved.  Cool.