Simple Syrup Green Tea Cocktail: Silky

Instructions:

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat immediately and stir in the loose leaf green tea. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass jar and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Place 4 mint leaves in the palm of your hand and give them one sharp slap to release aromatic oils, then drop them into a cocktail shaker.
5. Add 2 oz (60ml) vodka, 1 oz (30ml) of the homemade green tea simple syrup, and 3/4 oz (22ml) fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
6. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frost-cold.
7. Strain into a chilled coupe glass or over fresh ice in a highball glass.