A martini is never going to be a tame drink – there’s just too much power in the barely diluted alcohol – but this lovely version is aromatic and elegant. It’s a huge favourite at our kind-of Jewish deli, Mishkin’s, in Covent Garden, London.
Ready
5 basil leaves
3 slices cucumber
60ml Hendrick’s gin
5ml sugar syrup
Set
Boston glass – cocktail shaker
Muddler
Cocktail strainer
Martini glass (chilled)
Go!
Muddle basil leaves in a Boston cocktail glass.
Add cucumber and muddle lightly.
Add gin, sugar syrup and some ice.
Stir for 30 seconds to properly chill.
Double strain, to remove all stray bits, into martini glass.