Lifestyle
Cool as a cucumber gin and tonic
Ribbons of cucumber, threaded onto a cocktail stick, sit proudly on top, making this drink look like it came straight from a high-end bar.
Cucumber might seem like an unusual addition to alcohol, but it works beautifully with gin’s botanical notes. You can keep this cocktail classic with a London dry gin or explore modern gins infused with herbs, citrus, or floral notes. A traditional Indian tonic will give you that familiar quinine bitterness, while a lighter tonic allows the cucumber and gin to take centre stage. If you prefer a slightly tangier flavour, add an extra squeeze of lime or even a splash of lime cordial.
Ingredients
- 50ml gin (London dry or botanical)
- 100–150ml tonic water (to taste)
- 3–4 cucumber slices, plus extra for garnish
- 1–2 ribbons of cucumber for decoration
- Juice of ½ lime, plus extra wedges for serving
- Ice
Method
- Press 3–4 cucumber slices against the inside of a short glass. Fill the glass generously with ice.
- Add the gin and squeeze in the lime juice.
- Top up with tonic water to taste.
- Stir gently, then garnish with cucumber ribbons on a cocktail stick and a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately, ice-cold.
