World Cucumber Day in Dayton: Cocktails that use Hendrick's Gin

Today, June 14th the humble cucumber will be fêted when World Cucumber Day is celebrated.

Some may choose to slap a few slices on their eyes or on a salad, while several bars across Dayton will be featuring a variety of Hendrick's gin cocktails to celebrate.

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The popular gin, which William Grant & Sons in Girvan, Scotland launched in 1999, puts cucumber to good use adding soothing flavor to the makeup of the popular gin.

"Hendrick’s Gin has always held the cucumber in the highest regard. The spirit’s unusual distillation process includes an infusion of rose and cucumber, which yields an extraordinarily smooth gin that is a rare union of lightness and complexity. Not only that, but there is simply no better way to cap off a Hendrick’s cocktail than with a little green garnish cut from the same fruit that gives Hendrick’s its pleasingly unusual flavour," said Rachel Anne Jensen, Ohio Division Representative for Republic National Distributing Co.

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According to the Hendrick's website, "Cucumber Day was invented by cucumber growers, in England in 2011, to extol the virtues of the gallant cucumber. For several years now we celebrate this day to hero this remarkable fruit. We wish to spread love, understanding and appreciation for cucumbers everywhere and invite all those with a curious mind to celebrate World Cucumber Day on June 14 to cultivate and embrace their very own unusual side."

Here are eight places to grab a special Hendrick's cocktail and toast the mighty, green, healthy, crunchy, soothing cucumber.

"Hendrick's Cucumber Strawberry Old Fashioned"

Lily's Bistro

329 E. Fifth St., Dayton

lilysbistro.com

Hendrick's Gin, freshly muddled strawberries and cucumber, simple syrup and Angostura Bitters. Served on the rocks and garnished with a strawberry and cucumber slice.

"The Sarla"

Sky Asian Cuisine

4090 Wilmington Pike, Dayton

www.skyasiancuisine.com

Hendrick's Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, fresh mint, fresh lime and house made cucumber puree.