Okay, you might disagree with me here but it's my heartfelt opinion that nothing – nothing – tops off a drink like a cucumber. 

Whether it's a simple slice inside a G&T, or a more fundamental ingredient in something altogether more intricate, it provides a cool edge that you just can't get from anything else.

Unconvinced? Well try these, then come back to me...

1. Sparkling cucumber mint gin

A twist – if you'll pardon the pun – on an old favourite. Cucumber and mint are well acquainted bedfellows, as you'll quickly come to learn, and this drink proves exactly why.

Get the recipe here

2. Crucomber

All the way from Nantucket, where a well known bar called CRU boasts this as a signature dish. And the good news? You don't have to a) travel across the Atlantic, or b) be a master mixologist to taste it for yourself.

Get the recipe here

3. Cucumber mojito

How could you say no?

Get the recipe here

4. Cucumber-rosemary gin and tonic

Rosemary? 

Rosemary?

Yes indeed. There's more to this herb than just roast lamb, and this is a perfect example.

Get the recipe here

5. Cucumber jalapeno martini

Oh now we're getting adventurous. The cucumber takes a supporting role here to the intense, flavour-packed jalapenos and the natural bitterness of this old fave – but the combination is absolutely divine.

Get the recipe here

6. Mango mule mocktail

Don't feel like drinking? No problem – our versatile green pal is every bit as comfortable in an alcohol-free drink as in all the others, and it pairs beautifully with the sweet mango in this concoction.

Get the recipe here

7. English garden cocktail

Forget the Pimm's while you're watching Wimbledon this year – we've got something new for you. 

Get the recipe here

8. Cucumber lime margaritas

Another fantastic variation on an old favourite – this is a difficult one not to love.

Get the recipe here

9. The Firecracker

Watermelon, lime and cucumber. You have arrived.

Get the recipe here