A cold brew twist on a classic.

A Tom Collins is one of my favorite summer cocktails, with the botanical qualities of gin pairing beautifully with lemon, sugar, and soda (though to be fair, pretty much everything in the summer pairs well with lemon, sugar, and soda).

I find that super-strongly brewed coffee gives off a slightly boozy quality anyways, so subbing out the gin for cold brew concentrate and making the simple syrup with juniper berries — the reason most gins taste like gin — makes for a simple, refreshing recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 part juniper berries
• 2 parts sugar
• 2 parts water
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 3 oz cold brew
• Soda water to taste
• 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Make juniper syrup by comining first three ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a low simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar, and simmer for 10 minutes
3. Let cool and transfer to a glass or plastic container and store in the refrigerator
4. Combine 1 oz simple syrup with lemon juice and cold brew in a highball glass
5. Fill with ice and stir
6. Top with soda water
7. Garnish with a lemon slice