Beast of Summer

Marisa Chafetz / Supercall
Marisa Chafetz / Supercall

While there’s still a lot to learn about our brain-gut connection, a few recent studies have shown that a happy digestive system equals a happy outlook. And we wouldn’t disagree—a stomach ache can throw off your whole day. Probiotics work to repopulate your gut with good bacteria, which in turn will make you feel healthier and happier. Yogurt, of course, is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy tummy. It also works really well in cocktails. “A few years back while experimenting with alternative acids, I started playing with yogurt,” says Jesse Carr, bar director of New Orleans favorite La Petite Grocery. “It works in two ways: First, by adding acid so I can pull back on citrus and secondly, it works a bit like egg whites by adding texture and slightly toning down some of the flavors.” Mixed with gin, absinthe, cucumber juice and fennel, the Beast of Summer is one of the most interesting and refreshing drinks we’ve had all year.

Beast of Summer

FLAVOR PROFILE
Bitter, Sweet, Sour
STRENGTH
DIFFICULTY
easy

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Absinthe
  • 1 oz Cucumber Juice
  • .75 oz Lemon juice
  • .5 oz Rich simple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • Cucumber ribbon
  • Ground fennel

INSTRUCTIONS

Step one

Add all ingredients, save for the garnishes, to a shaker tin with ice.

Step two

Shake and strain into a coupe glass.

Step three

Garnish with a cucumber ribbon and pinch of ground fennel.

Contributed by Jesse Carr