LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2025

CHAR APPEAL

Grilled Cucumber Gin & Tonic

The classic union of gin and cucumber gets a new twist by grilling the cukes first. Doing so adds a whiff of smoke to a classic G&T, while introducing a tiny splash of elderflower liqueur brings it all together. Since you’re only grilling two cucumber spears, it makes sense to piggyback on another grilling session, if possible, or use a grill pan on the stove.

1 mini cucumber 1/4 oz elderflower liqueur 2 oz London dry gin 1/2 oz strained fresh lime juice 4 oz tonic water, chilled

1. Cut cucumber in half lengthwise. Save one half for another use, then cut other half lengthwise to make two spears. 2. Preheat half of grill or grill pan on high. Clean and lightly oil grate. Pat cucumber spears dry with paper towel, then grill all three sides until lightly charred, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate. Cool completely. Chop 1 spear and save the other for garnish. 3. Place chopped cucumber and elderflower liqueur in a cocktail shaker. Muddle. Add gin, lime juice and 3 ice cubes. Shake for 5 seconds. Fine-strain into a chilled highball glass filled with ice. Top with tonic water. Lightly stir. Garnish with grilled cucumber spear.

Makes 1 drink

44

———————— SUMMER 2025