Ingredients

• ◆1 1/2 oz gin
• ◆2 1/2 oz apple juice
• ◆4 slices cucumber
• ◆8 leaves mint
• ◆3 leaves basil
• ◆3/4 oz lemon juice
• ◆1/2 oz simple syrup
• ◆1 3/4 oz sparkling water
• ◆1 pinch salt

Method

1. 11. In a shaker, gently muddle cucumber slices, mint, and basil with a pinch of salt until fragrant and releasing juice.
2. 22. Add gin, apple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then fill the shaker with ice.
3. 33. Shake firmly for 12 seconds — you want cold dilution but not over-bruising the herbs.
4. 44. Double-strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a large rocks glass filled with a single large ice cube or plenty of cubed ice.
5. 55. Top with sparkling water, pouring gently over the back of a bar spoon to layer it above the drink.
6. 66. Stir once slowly from the bottom to loosely integrate without flattening the carbonation.

Garnish — cucumber ribbon and a basil leaf pressed against the inside of the glass