Skip to main content

The Dandy Lion

4.4

(2)

Image may contain Plant Vegetable Food Cucumber Drink Lemonade Beverage and Milk
The Dandy LionMa'ayan Rosenzweig

Stephen Cole, bartender at The Barrelhouse Flat in Chicago, created this dressed-up take on the classic gin and tonic for our story Spring Cocktails Perfect for Brunch. While you should feel free to use your favorite gin, for this absinthe-laced cocktail, Cole suggests trying Hayman's Old Tom Gin, which is slightly sweeter than more traditional English dry gin.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1 drink

Ingredients

3 thin slices peeled cucumber, plus 1 slice for garnish
1/2 ounce absinthe
2 ounces gin
3/4 ounce lemon juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup
2 to 4 ounces tonic water, chilled

Preparation

  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber until slightly broken up, about 20 seconds. Add the absinthe and let macerate for about 30 seconds. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until completely mixed, about 20 seconds. Strain into a Collins glass (or any tall glass tumbler), top with tonic, and garnish with a cucumber slice.

Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Add a bag of potato chips and you've got yourself a party.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.