May 18, 2012

Spicy Shiso Smash

Shiso leaves muddled with spicy Thai red chile and slices of cooling cucumber make for a refreshing and festive cocktail. Served over crushed ice with a bit of simple syrup, lime juice, and white rum, and topped off with plenty of seltzer, it's a perfect sip to serve for summer.

Credit: Maxime Iattoni

MAKES ONE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

2 shiso (perilla) leaves, torn into small pieces
½ red Thai bird chili, stemmed, seeded, and sliced
6 thin slices cucumber
1 ½ oz simple syrup
1 oz fresh lime juice
2 ½ oz white rum
Seltzer, to top

INSTRUCTIONS

In a tall glass, muddle shiso leaves, chile, and 3 slices cucumber. Fill glass with crushed ice, simple syrup, lime juice, and rum. Stir, and top with seltzer. Garnish with remaining cucumber slices.