The Cucumber Collins is a great cocktail for entertaining on a hot summer weekend.

The Cucumber Collins is a fresh variation on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. Traditionally made with vodka, ours is made with gin for extra flavor. And, you can substitute a good-quality vodka if you prefer.

Cucumber Collins
Yields 1 cocktail   

Ingredients
3 1/4-inch cucumber wheels plus
3 mint sprigs
3/4 ounces simple syrup
2 ounces gin
1 ounce freshly-squeezed lime of lemon juice
Ice
1 ounce chilled sparkling mineral water

For the garnish
1 long slice of cucumber
mint sprig

Directions
Muddle the cucumber and mint in a shaker. Add the gin, simple syrup and lime juices and shake with the ice.

Fine-strain into a glass and top with chilled mineral water and stir gently.

Garnish with mint sprig and long cucumber slice.