Le Gurk Cocktail - A tribute to cucumber and gin

The Le Gurk cocktail was created by Axel Klubescheidt in 2009. His idea was to create a simple and easy-to-make drink - a mission that he undoubtedly succeeded in. Shortly after its launch in the Fcuk Yoga bar in Essen, the cocktail delighted guests. The use of an ingredient that can be found in every kitchen is particularly fascinating: cucumber.

Ever since Hendrick's Gin revolutionised the bar scene, it has been impossible to imagine cocktails without cucumber as an ingredient. So it was only natural to focus even more on the fresh, slightly tart flavour of cucumber and combine it with other floral accents. Klubescheidt opted for elderflower to complement the flavour. The apple juice rounds off the composition and provides a pleasantly sweet and fruity balance.

Recipe Le Gurk

• 5 cl gin (preferably Hendrick's Gin)
• 3 cl elderflower syrup
• 4 cl apple juice (freshly squeezed or naturally cloudy)
• 1 cl lime juice
• 4 thin slices of cucumber
• Soda for topping up

Preparation:

1. Place the cucumber slices in a glass and press lightly to release the flavours.
2. Pour the gin, elderflower syrup, apple juice and lime juice into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
3. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top up with soda and stir carefully.
5. Garnish with an additional slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint.

The speciality of Le Gurk

Le Gurk stands out from other cocktails thanks to its freshness and lightness. It combines the botanical flavours of gin with the crisp freshness of cucumber and the sweet, floral note of elderflower syrup. The apple juice brings additional fruitiness into play and gives the drink a pleasant drinkability.

Thanks to its versatile ingredients, Le Gurk is a cocktail that is perfect for the summer - whether as a refreshment on a warm evening or as an elegant aperitif. This cocktail is also an excellent choice for people who are just discovering gin, as it balances the tart notes of gin in an accessible way.

With its simple but effective combination of a few harmonising ingredients, Le Gurk is a modern classic that never fails to impress.