Cucumber, alongside citrus fruit, offers bright and breezy flavours that can't help but call summer to mind. Refreshing, with cool vegetal notes, cucumber's delicate flavours and aromas are often overlooked when it comes to cocktail creation. Our top choice when it comes to incorporating cucumber is in the form of a syrup, which not only introduces some much needed sweetness into your cocktail but some amazing essences that will elevate any of your favourite recipes.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ an english cucumber
• Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut a cucumber in half and peel one half. Put the other, unpeeled, half in the refrigerator—this can be used for cocktail garnishes.
2. Cut into ½ inch segments. Set aside.
3. Add sugar, salt, and water to a small saucepan and stir on medium heat until the sugar has fully dissolved.
4. Add cucumber slices, reduce heat to low, and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes to continue to soak.
6. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into an airtight glass jar or bottle to remove cucumber solids.
NOTE: You can press the cucumbers while straining for extra cucumber flavour but this may result in your syrup becoming cloudy.
7. Refrigerate.