Story and recipe by Matt Seiter
Photography by Geoff Cardin

Summer is almost over, but the summer heat is at its peak. Step outside and you're instantly hot, short of breath, sweaty and in need of a tasty libation to cool you down. This month's drink is a modified version of a gin and tonic. Freshness from the garden lifts it above the classic, and the Kümmel offers a nice touch of caraway and fennel.

I know what you're thinking: What in the world is Kümmel? It's a German liqueur flavored with caraway, cumin and fennel. By itself, it's a bit much for the American palate. But when it's mixed in cocktails, those spicy notes really shine through and it's superb. In this drink's case, the caraway helps the cilantro stand up to the cucumber and quinine. It's subtle, but each sip offers a relaxing respite from the high heat and humidity.

Mollifying Effect

Serves | 1 |
2 slices cucumber, cut ¼-inch thick and quartered
7 sprigs cilantro
½ oz fresh lime juice
¼ oz simple syrup
½ oz Kümmel
2 oz Hendrick's gin
1 bottle Fentimans tonic (Fever-Tree is a good substitute)
cucumber slices and cilantro sprigs for garnish

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