This is one of my favorite summer go-to cocktails!  Whenever I go to the beach, I try to take the road less traveled, and make getting there part of the fun.  A Southern Season in Chapel Hill NC is a remarkable stop, with gourmet foods, wines, coffees, really anything you can think of.  http://www.southernseason.com/

I’m always on the lookout for vermouth variations that are new to me, and I got lucky one year, stumbling upon a Spanish version, Priorat Natur http://prioratnatur.com/en/38-vermut.html.  And of course another part of me beach vacation fun is mixing drinks with friends, and I came up with this cucumber and basil deliciousness.

I have made this cocktail with various gins, Hendricks, Tanqueray Ten, and most recently with Tanqueray Rangpur.  Whatever you may have on hand, this is a truly refreshing summer drink!

 

Cucumber Basil Smash

• 2 oz Gin
• 1 oz dry vermouth
• 3-4 oz Dry Cucumber soda
• 3-4 basil leaves
• Several slices of cucumber
• Lemon wheel garnish

In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber slices and basil. Add gin, vermouth, and and ice, shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass with ice, top off with Dry Cucumber Soda. Stir, and garnish with a basil leaf and lemon wheel. Cheers!