Stalking Pacino

Directions

1. Prepare the cucumber water: Slice 1/2 of the cucumber and add a pitcher of water to the cuke slices. Place in the refrigerator and allow to sit while all the other ingredients are being prepared.
2. Pour 1 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar into a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add 3 stalks of chopped celery and the lime peel to the syrup. Simmer lightly for 15 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature. Place in the refrigerator. Strain the syrup, pressing the celery pieces to get the flavor, and reserve the syrup.
3. Using an electric juicer, juice enough celery (3 to 4 stalks) to make 6 oz. Add the lime juice to the celery juice.
4. Quarter, deseed, and chop enough remaining cucumber to make 1/4 cup. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Stalking Pacino: Fill a 12 oz. glass 1/2 full with ice. Add 1 1/2 oz. gin, then 1 oz. celery simple syrup, then 1 1/2 oz. celery and lime juice, then 1/4 cup cucumber water. Shake very well, using a bartender's shaker. Taste and decide if you want to add more of any of the above components. Then, add the chopped cucumber, the basil, and the lime zest. Shake again. Pour everything back into the glass and top with seltzer.
6. Garnish with a celery stalk, a cucumber slice, and a slice of lime. Bottoms up!