Here’s a delicately fragrant summer cooler. Pull up a piece of the porch and drop into a comfortable chair. The Cuka has a lemonade-like finish and the scent of lavender from the home-made syrup.

Cuka
2 ounces vodka
2 1/2-inch slice of cucumber
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce lavender syrup
Chilled soda water

Gently mash the cucumber slices, lemon juice and lavender syrup in a highball glass. Add the vodka and fill glass with ice cubes. Top with no more than 2 ounces of soda water. Stir. Garnish with a long slice of cucumber.

Lavender syrup: In a small sauce pan, mix 1 cup sgar, 1 cup water, and 2 tablespoons of dried lavender. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium-high and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool. Store in a clean bottle in the refrigerator.

Tasting notes: Fresh and delicious

Tomorrow: Halo

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