VODKA LEMONADE W/ CUCUMBER & MINT

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups water with the sugar and half of the mint; bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool to room temperature. Pour mixture through a fine sieve into a large glass measuring cup; discard mint. You should have 2 cups syrup. Cover with plastic; chill. In a large serving pitcher, stir together lemon juice, vodka, water, ice and chilled syrup; garnish with mint and thinly sliced cucumber.