Sueño (Rosemary-Cucumber Tequila Cocktail)

I don't want to give the impression that all we do is drink. But people, it's hot outside. Record-breaking hot. Yesterday my entire food consumption for the day consisted of yogurt and jam, a few scoops of gelato, some guacamole and chips, and a few crackers with cheese. It's not a good time for solids.

But drinks, yes. I've been downing them by the icy glass. I finally ran out of iced tea, and the thought of heating the kettle to make more is too much to bear. Luckily, in these cases, there's tequila.

I came upon this cocktail called the Sueño last summer, and it is dreamy indeed. Rosemary often gets ignored in the heat of summer, unless it's being adapted as a grill skewer. Which is a shame, because it has a wonderful cooling effect, much like mint. In this cocktail, it's muddled together with the equally brisk cucumber and lime, and then shaken with tequila. Its sharp and light, but with an underlying depth from the tequila. (Am I the only one who think tequila has a sort of sesame-like nuttiness? Anyone? Okay, just me.) The resulting cocktail is like the margarita's sophisticated continental cousin. It's great with Mexican food, but the Mediterranean rosemary also makes it suited for European fare. Or, if I'm to be any example, just for sipping by itself, as you try not to sweat.

Sueño
adapted from Food and Wine Cocktails 2008
makes 2 drinks

1 large sprig rosemary, plus more for garnish
6 thin slices cucumber
3/4 shot lime juice
1/2 shot simple syrup
2 shots tequila
ice
tonic water

In a shaker or lidded jar, muddle together the rosemary, cucumber, lime juice and syrup, until the herb is well-bruised and the cucumber is a bit pulpy. Add the tequila and some ice, and shake well. Strain the drink into two glasses with plenty of ice, and top with a bit of tonic (about half a shot per glass, depending on your taste). Garnish with rosemary.