Blackberry-Cucumber Mule

Ingredients

• 3 ripe blackberries
• 2 cucumber slices, 1/4 inch thick
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 2 ounces vodka
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce 1:1 simple syrup (see note)
• 2 1/2 ounces ginger beer
• GARNISH: mint sprig and cucumber wheel

Directions

1. Muddle blackberries, cucumber, and mint in the smaller half of a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup and fill with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 12 seconds. Double-strain into an ice-filled collins glass, pour the ginger beer down the side of the glass, and give it a brief, gentle stir. Garnish with mint sprig and cucumber wheel, plus a straw if you have one.