A new cocktail for summer

I found this while sitting all foiled up at the salon perusing an issue of Sunset.

Made one last weekend--a definite keeper.

New Tom Collins

1. Muddle 4 cucumber slices and 3 mint leaves in a shaker with a small amount of ice
2. Add 1 oz. each simple syrup and lime juice, 1-1/2 oz. gin and more ice
3. Shake, pour over more ice and top with 2 oz. seltzer
4. Add a dash of rosewater and stir.

It had a little of the Pimm's Cup quality from the cucumber. I used Hendrick's Gin to complement the rosewater. It was complex, good balance of tart and sweet.

And since we're on the subject of gin-based summer cocktails, let me say I have now been spoiled by premium tonic water. I picked up a four-pack of Fever Tree at New Seasons. What a difference. Much less sweet, more pronounced quinine flavor.