Allies

Gin and kummel go well together, so the thinking goes. Why not put two German spirits in a single cocktail and enjoy it with a little dry vermouth? What a classic pairing!

Monkey 47 is a dry gin with black forest botanicals that make this gin the deluxe brand that it is. Kummel is sweet and requires a dry gin to keep the balance. What you get is a cocktail that is more than the sum of its parts. There's juniper and caraway, gentian and fennel, anise seed and black pepper! Too many flavors to take in at one time. Make yourself a second drink!

• 1 oz. gin (Monkey 47 used)
• 1 oz. dry vermouth
• several dashes of kummel (1/2 oz. recommended)

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into an Old Fashioned glass full of fresh ice.