The Pompier Recipe

Let's get this weekend started right. Here's a cocktail to kick things off. Need more than one? Here you go. Cheers!

There's no shortage of libations designed to temper the effects of a bruising hot summer day. But in the light and heat of an August afternoon, sometimes the old gin-and-tonic and mojito standbys come on a little too strong.

Enter the Pompier. Also known as the vermouth cassis, this tall glass of icy goodness offers a gentle, sophisticated alternative for those looking to idle away a steamy afternoon. Based on vermouth--so it's lower in alcoholic horsepower than many other seasonal refreshers--the Pompier increases its allure with the robust fruitiness of crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur. Poured over ice and energized with chilled club soda, the Pompier is a good addition to anyone's summer survival kit.