TOASTED SESAME HIGHBALL

Toasted sesame oil gives nutty depth to a light, savory-sweet drink inspired by a cocktail from Tim Cooper, mixologist at Harlem's The Cecil.

MAKES 1 COCKTAIL

Ingredients

• 5 slices cucumber
• ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
• ¼ tsp. toasted sesame oil
• ⅛ tsp. kosher salt
• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 3 oz. club soda
• ½ tsp. toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Muddle 3 slices cucumber with lemon juice, sesame oil, and salt in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, simple syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously and strain through a cheese cloth-lined strainer over a highball glass filled with ice. Top with club soda; garnish with remaining cucumber slices and toasted sesame seeds, if you like.