UNENCUMBERED

Steps:

• In a shaker with ice, combine the cucumber juice, vodka, Simple Syrup and lime juice and stir well. Strain into a highball glass and top with the sparkling wine. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon.
• Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Keep covered in the refrigerator up to 1 month. Yield: 1 1/2 cups