{NM Daily}

A martini made with small-batch, handcrafted Oxley gin and chopped English cucumber is particularly fitting this month as we contemplate all things British. This will be featured at Neiman Marcus restaurants throughout August. But if you can’t wait, you can make it at home.

English Cucumber Martini

2 oz. Oxley Classic English Dry Gin (divided)

2 oz. peeled, seeded, and chopped English cucumber

½ oz. basil simple syrup (see recipe at right)

1 oz. Fever-Tree Bitter Lemon Soda

Slice of English cucumber for garnish

4 oz. crushed ice (divided)

In a cocktail shaker, add 1 ounce of Oxley gin, chopped cucumber, and 2 ounces of crushed ice. Muddle for 10 seconds. Add remaining Oxley gin, basil simple syrup, and remaining crushed ice, then shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, preferably martini. Top with Fever-Tree Bitter Lemon Soda. Garnish with English cucumber slice. Cheers, mate!