Sumac Cucumber Dinner Project

Sumac brings a lemon-like tartness without using citrus juice, and cucumber gives the tonic a cool, green finish. Filtering the spice infusion is important because loose sumac can feel dusty in a drink. Tonic adds bitterness that makes the combination quite dry. This isn't a sweet soda, and it doesn't need to be. It's a useful choice for someone who likes cucumber drinks but wants a more unusual sour note and a little more preparation than opening a mixer.

Ingredients

• 1/4 tsp Food-grade ground sumac spice
• 2 oz Warm water
• 1 tbsp Cucumber, coarsely grated
• 5 oz Tonic water, chilled

Make it

1. Steep the sumac in the warm water for 10 minutes, then pass through a paper coffee filter.
2. Cool briefly and stir in the grated cucumber. Strain again if you prefer a clear texture.
3. Pour into a glass and top with chilled tonic water. Serve immediately.

Benefits

Sumac and cucumber · refreshing fluids

Sumac and cucumber makes room for more water in your day. The 2 oz base carries a lemony tang without needing alcohol to give it character.

Make room for cucumber

Cucumber gives the sumac a crisp green flavor—an aromatic pairing to serve freshly mixed, while the bubbles are lively.

Use packaged culinary sumac, not foraged plants. Tonic water contains quinine.