Cucumber Cooler

Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves. The goal is to release their oils and juices, not to pulverise them.
Add the gin, fresh lime juice, and elderflower cordial to the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Double straining (using a fine mesh sieve) is recommended to remove any small cucumber or mint fragments.
Top the glass with soda water.
Garnish with a long cucumber ribbon (made with a vegetable peeler) and a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Freshness is Key: Always use fresh cucumber and lime juice for the best flavour. Pre-bottled lime juice won't give you the same vibrant taste.
Muddling Technique: Be gentle with the mint. Over-muddling can release bitter chlorophyll. A few presses are all you need.
Chill Your Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes before building the drink.
Cucumber Ribbons: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin, long ribbons of cucumber. These look fantastic coiled inside the glass or draped over the rim.

Vodka Cooler: Swap out the gin for vodka for a milder, more neutral spirit base that lets the cucumber and elderflower shine even more.
Spicy Kick: Add a thin slice of jalapeño or a dash of jalapeño syrup to the muddle for a subtle, warming heat.
Herbal Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or rosemary instead of or in addition to mint for a different aromatic profile.
Elderflower Boost: If you love elderflower, consider adding a splash of elderflower liqueur alongside the cordial for a more intense floral note.
Sparkling Wine Top: For a more celebratory version, top with dry sparkling wine (like Prosecco or Cava) instead of soda water.