Steps

Step 1: Place the lime juice and the basil into a metal cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, mash the basil leaves thoroughly against the bottom of the shaker.

Step 2: Add the simple syrup and vodka and fill with ice cubes to the surface of the liquid. Shake vigorously until the shaker is freezing your hands, perhaps 15 seconds.

Step 3: Strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a basil leaf and lime wheels.

Makes 1 serving.