Cucumber-Mint Mock-jitos
Prep: 10 minutes plus standing
Cook: 7 minutes • Serves: 1
3/4cup granulated sugar
6ounces water (3/4 cup)
12medium mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish
2tablespoons finely chopped cucumber plus slices for garnish
Ice
1tablespoon lime juice
5ounces lemon lime sparkling seltzer water, chilled
Lime slice for garnish (optional)
6ounces water (3/4 cup)
12medium mint leaves plus sprigs for garnish
2tablespoons finely chopped cucumber plus slices for garnish
Ice
1tablespoon lime juice
5ounces lemon lime sparkling seltzer water, chilled
Lime slice for garnish (optional)
1.To make simple syrup, in small saucepot, heat sugar and water over medium heat 7 to 8 minutes or just until mixture boils and sugar dissolves; do not stir. Remove saucepot from heat and stir in 10 mint leaves. Let stand 15 minutes; strain and discard mint leaves.
2.Into cocktail shaker or 12-ounce glass, add 2 mint leaves and cucumber; crush in bottom of glass with muddler. Fill shaker with ice; add 1 tablespoon lime juice, 3 tablespoons simple syrup and 5 ounces seltzer. Gently stir; strain over glass of ice and garnish with mint sprigs and cucumber slices. Cover and refrigerate remaining simple syrup up to 2 weeks.