Ah, summertime in the city. There’s nothing like being surrounded by hot concrete in a congested city. Everyone sweating unapologetically. Inevitably, some wise soul will utter that classic line “it’s not the heat it’s the humidity.”

Who cares?! It’s too dang hot! But we smile and celebrate by searing animal flesh over burning coals, drinking cold sugary beverages under the sweltering sun and setting off colorful explosions every 4th of July. For, if we must be miserable, heck, let us all be miserable together. And let us eat, drink and be merry in our scorched miserable state.

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer. I love how every office clears out early on Fridays because we all feel like kids on the last day of school. The carefree longing for fun in the sun, sitting out on the patio with friends and a pitcher of boozy punch, playing tunes that reminds us of the best summer we ever had. Summer has a way of being a very communal experience, where we all get together to bask in both the sun and each other’s company. So, grab a glass, pour yourself some punch and toast to another summer. Let’s make it a great one.

Punch in the City

2 parts Unsweetened Black Tea

2 parts Grapefruit Juice

1 part Barr Hill Gin

½ part Mint Syrup

¼ part Kümmel Liqueur

½ lime juiced