Hendrick's Recipe

Prepare glass

Chill a coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes, or fill with ice water while you prepare the drink.

Muddle cucumber

In a shaker, place the cucumber ribbon and gently muddle once or twice to release aroma — do not pulverize; you want fragrance, not vegetal juice.

Build and shake

Add Hendrick's Gin (2 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.5 oz), simple syrup (0.5 oz) and a handful of ice to the shaker with the muddled cucumber. Cap and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled.

Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or a rocks glass filled with fresh ice (if you prefer it on the rocks) using a fine-mesh strainer to remove cucumber bits and ice shards.

Optional top

If desired, gently top with 2 oz chilled soda water or a light tonic for a slightly effervescent finish. Stir once very gently to combine.

Thread a cucumber wheel on the rim or float it in the glass. Express a lemon twist over the drink by pinching it to release oils, then drop it into the cocktail or rest it on the rim.