Cucumber Basil Mezcalita

Kick it up a notch with some mezcal, coupled with cooling cucumber and herbaceous basil. It’s a winner!

Recipe by Catherine Pla

Makes 1 cocktail

Cucumber Basil Mezcalita

For salted rims: (optional)

• Lime wedges

• Kosher salt

Recipe for 1 cocktail:

• 5 cucumber slices

• 5 basil leaves

• 3 mint leaves

• 2 oz mezcal

• 1 oz Cointreau or orange liqueur

• Juice of half a lime

• 1⁄2 t simple syrup or agave (optional)

• Garnish: cucumber slices, lime wedges, and mint and basil leaves

If desired, salt the rims of the glasses by placing salt and chili powder on a plate. Wet rims of glasses by running a lime wedge around the edge. Roll rims through the salt and chili. Set aside.

Add cucumber, basil, mint, mezcal, Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using) to a cocktail shaker. Muddle to release juices. Fill halfway with ice. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Taste for sweetness and add more simple syrup if desired. Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice. Garnish with cucumber slices, lime wedges, and mint and/or basil leaves.