Espelette Breeze

Description: This refreshing cocktail combines the heat of Piment d'Espelette with the coolness of cucumber and mint, offering a tantalizing dance of flavors perfect for summer evenings. Ingredients: - 2 oz gin - 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice - 1/2 oz simple syrup - 4 slices of cucumber - 1-2 pinches of Piment d'Espelette - 4-5 fresh mint leaves - Club soda - Ice cubes Instructions: 1. In a shaker, muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves together to release their flavors. 2. Add the gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and a pinch of Piment d'Espelette to the shaker. 3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled. 4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice. 5. Top with club soda and stir gently to combine. 6. Garnish with a cucumber slice, a sprig of mint, and a light sprinkle of Piment d'Espelette on top for an extra kick. Glass: Highball glass