Cool As A Qcumber; The New Summer Craze

Well I hope you all enjoyed a  sunny bank holiday Monday and made the most of the glorious weather - I sure did (back garden, glass of crisp, cool Chablis) and now I am more excited for the summer than ever. With a second bank holiday coming up later this month, and hopefully more sun, there is no doubt I'll be partaking in a few beverages. Set to be hot this summer is cucumber, not chopped into a jug of Pimms, but as the star of the show.

Photo: Dinner Series (CCL)

Inspired by the idyll of an English summer, think beer garden, sunshine and cucumber sandwiches, Qcumber is a new, unique and refreshing soft drink (designated drivers, you can be part of the cucumber drinks craze!). Made using a blend of natural cucumber essence and gently sparkling spring water, this newbie is fresh and effervescent, but equally makes a fantastic base for many (many) cocktails! I'm thinking I'll go for the Qcumber Fizz on May 27th; lemon, lime, Gin, and Qcumber - the ultimate refreshment?!

This next one is not so new on the scene but already a hot choice for something quirky and a little bit different. Square One Cucumber is an aromatic spirit infused with the delicate and fresh taste of cucumber. For a cool, light yet effortless indulgence, try Square One Cucumber with tonic, plenty of ice, and a twist of lime orf give a a contemporary spin to familiar cocktails like the Tom Collins...


Cool Collins

Soothing and refreshing. Perfect for summer. 2 oz. Square One Cucumber 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. of powdered sugar 1 cucumber wheel and mint sprig for garnish

Combine ingredients in a cocktail tin and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a glass, fill glass to top with club soda, stir once and garnish with a cucumber wheel and a mint sprig.

Brand new to UK shelves, and the one that excites me most, is Gordon’s Crisp Cucumber; a blend of Original Gordon’s London Dry Gin with natural cucumber flavouring. Two British favourites - Gordons and cucumber - now together at last, and delicious at that! Whilst yes, it's easy enough to mix your own drinks and cocktails, the new range is complemented by two pre-mix options: 'Gordon’s & Tonic with a hint of cucumber' and 'Gordon’s & Tonic with a dash of elderflower'. If there was ever a drink that screamed "take me to a barbeque and enjoy me in the sunshine", then this is possibly the one!

Happy bank holidays and cheers to the humble green cucumber!

If you know of any other cool cucmber cocktail concoctions, please let us know - we are happy to test them ;-)