Step 1

In a small heavy-bottom saucepan add sugar and water. Bring to a low boil, and cook until sugar dissolves.

Step 2

Turn off heat, stir in mint leaves, and cover the pan. Allow mixture to steep for at least 15 minutes. Strain into a glass jar and cool.

Step 3

This recipe makes 1 cup of syrup so there will be leftover. The Syrup can be kept sealed in refrigerator for 1-month.

Step 4

Finely dice 2 Tbsp cucumber. Cut 2 extra round or long slices for garnish.

Step 5

Add diced cucumber, 2 tablespoons cooled simple syrup and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Muddle (smash) the cucumber for about 1-minute with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.

Step 6

Add vodka and crushed ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30-seconds.

Step 7

Remove the lid of the shaker and pour evenly into two cocktail glasses, including ice and cucumber pieces. (Strain if you don't want the cucumber pieces in the glasses).

Step 8

Top each glass to the top with sparkling water.

Step 9

Garnish with cucumber slices or rounds and a mint sprig.