Convenient canned margaritas may be all the rage here in Aotearoa this summer, but sometimes you just can’t top a freshly made cocktail — and summer is the ultimate time to try something new, like this crisp cucumber gimlet from beloved Pitt Street bar and cafe No.7.

Owner Jack Young is known for his skill at creating an unexpected but delicious drink (and creating a party mood), and shares the recipe for his take on the gimlet that you can easily make at home.

“It’s a twist on a classic - also an all time favourite of mine - that will be a perfect refreshing drink to serve on a hot day.”

Ingredients

Cucumber

Gin

Lime juice (freshly squeezed best)

Simple syrup (here's a recipe)

Method

• Start off by peeling a cucumber and chopping it up into small chunks.

• Blend in a food processor or with a stick blender until you're left with the juice and pulp. Strain to remove pulp.

• Add 60 ml of your favourite gin to a shaker, along with 30 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice, 30 ml of your cucumber juice, and 15 ml of simple syrup.

• Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a coupe glass - or whatever you have lying around. Cheers!