Cucumber, fennel, lime and gin cocktail | Network News

There’s a reason cucumber turns up in so many summer drinks. It’s made up of around 95% water, which makes it one of the most refreshing ingredients you can put in a glass. Long before cucumber became fashionable in cocktails, it was added to jugs of water, punches and cooling drinks throughout Europe and the Middle East as a way to beat the heat. This cocktail combines cucumber with fennel, an addition that may sound unusual but brings a delicate aniseed flavour. For garnish, use fennel fronds, cucumber ribbons or a thin wheel of lime. If you prefer something sweeter, swap the soda water for ginger ale.