The Gardentini
Adapted from City Pages, recipe by Michelle Leon
Makes one cocktail

Here’s something different to make with all of those ripe tomatoes on your counter! The herb and tomato flavors are bright and pure, while the citrus and juniper are perfect compliments. Feel free to experiment with other herbs—cilantro is very good here if you like it.

2 oz gin or vodka
½ oz Cointreau
4 cherry tomatoes or the equivalent of a larger tomato, seeded
Juice of ½ a lemon
1 sprig of basil
A pinch of dried fennel (or use some chopped fresh fennel fronds if you have them)
Fresh cracked pepper and sea salt
Cherry tomato and basil to garnish

Rim a chilled martini glass with lemon and just a touch of sea salt. In a tall glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the tomatoes and herbs. Add lemon juice, gin or vodka, Cointreau, pepper and ice. Shake and strain through a small sieve. Garnish with a cherry tomato and basil and serve.