Cucumber Garden Recipe

Chill glass

Place a Collins glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice and water while preparing ingredients to chill it.

Thinly slice 4 slices of English cucumber. Reserve one long peel or use a vegetable peeler to create a cucumber ribbon for garnish. Dice two small cucumber slices into approximately 2 tablespoons for muddling.

Discard chilling ice/water from the glass if used and fill the chilled Collins glass about three-quarters full with fresh cubed ice.

Add the muddled cucumber (2 tbsp) and 0.25 oz simple syrup into a mixing glass or directly into the Collins glass. Gently muddle the small cucumber dice just enough to release juices and aroma — do not pulverize.

Pour 0.5 oz fresh lime juice over the muddled cucumber, then add 6 oz chilled elderflower tonic. If you prefer a longer, lower-strength drink, top with up to 2 oz cold soda water instead of some tonic.

Give the drink a gentle stir (4–6 strokes) to integrate the muddled cucumber and syrup into the tonic without flattening carbonation.

Thread the cucumber ribbon onto a cocktail pick or twist it into the glass and float a lime wheel on top. Smack the mint sprig between your palms (if using) to release oils and tuck it beside the cucumber ribbon.

Serve immediately with a straw. Optionally offer extra cucumber slices on the side for guests to add.