Drinking: Beat the Summer Heat with a Cool Cu Collins
![Cu Collins Gin Cocktail](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2010/7/cu-colins-588x441.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505389079582.jpeg)
Inspired by an extremely sticky evening and Drink Up, I started my weekend early with Darryl Robinson's gin cocktail, the Cu Collins. Gin is one of my favorite liquors because of its distinctive flavors—gins are re-distilled to infuse them with spices and flavors from juniper berries and other botanicals. Darryl's riff on a Tom Collins (traditionally mixed with gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water) includes cucumber, herbs (I used basil) and lime. It's pure genius—limeade with a cool, refreshing and bubbly twist, all complimenting the herbal notes of the gin. I could (and might!) drink this all summer long.
Irresistible Favorite: Tequila Sangria from Drink Up
A Very Cool Take: Icebreaker Mojitos from Chuck's Day Off
Simple Twist: Tequila Lemonade from Chuck's Day Off
A New Way to Drink Beer: Darryl's Ginger Ale from Drink Up