Cocktail time with gin and basil

This is a great way to use up fresh basil that's past its prime (but still tasty), and a great excuse to mix up a gin cocktail on a hot summer day.

Basil-Gin Mojito

Serves 1

10 basil leaves
½ oz. simple syrup
2 oz. gin
1 oz. water

Place basil leaves in a cocktail shaker and muddle until fragrant.  Add all other ingredients plus generous helping of ice and shake vigorously.  Strain into a short glass neat or on the rocks.