Have you seen this thing? Hendrick’s Gin launched its Grand Garnisher on June 14th, World Cucumber Day, which is this cool cucumber slicing vehicle that has been touring major cities in the the United States until its last stop in Washington DC mid-December. I had the pleasure of seeing the Grand Garnisher last month on its stop here in Houston.
A sucker for pretty wine labels and over-the-top booze campaigns, I jumped at the chance to see the Grand Garnisher at Wooster’s Garden in Midtown near downtown Houston, and sampled their cocktails during one of the rare days in Houston that it isn’t sweltering hot outside.
This truck’s sole purpose is slicing cucumbers (and turning heads, of course) and is reminiscent of steampunk with a nouveau-Edwardian hipster vibe. I love how Hendrick’s Gin’s marketing scheme makes beards, bowler hats, and cucumbers cool.
That day’s happy hour was one for the books. A coworker and I made an evening of it as we marveled at the Grand Garnisher, sampled Hendrick’s cocktails (recipes below, courtesy of Hendrick’s Gin), drank Prosecco with Hendrick’s Gin Brand Ambassador Mattias Horseman, abused a charcuterie plate, and played gin rummy with Hendrick’s own playing cards.
HENDRICK’S GIN & TONIC
1 part HENDRICK’S GIN
3 parts Premium Tonic Water
Build ingredients in a highball glass over ice, garnish with cucumber wheels and serve.
CUCUMBER BASIL SMASH
1 1⁄2 parts HENDRICK’S GIN
3⁄4 part Fresh Lemon Juice
3⁄4 part Simple Syrup
One Small Bunch of Basil
3 Cucumber Wheels
In a mixing glass, muddle basil, cucumber, and simple syrup. Add Hendrick’s Gin, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well and strain into an iced double rocks glass. Garnish with a bunch of basil and a cucumber.
