The great British buffet

From the food pages of May's Good Housekeeping magazine comes ideas for a garden party. We've got a 4 day weekend coming up soon to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee (2nd-5th June). Now all we have to do is hope for sunshine.

Definitely to try :- Gin, elderflower and cucumber cooler.
Ingredients (to make 12 glasses)

• 2 cucumbers
• Elderflower cordial
• Gin (Hendricks is my gin of choice)
• Soda water
• Spring of mint for each glass
• Ice cubes

Method

• Chop 2 cucumbers (ends trimmed) and whiz in a food processor with 250ml (8fl oz) elderflower cordial until smooth.
• Press through a fine sieve into a large jug, working the pulp well. Discard the pulp.
• Stir in 200ml (7fl oz) gin into the jug and chill. 
• Fill 12 tall glasses with ice and add a mint sprig to each.
• Pour gin mix over your ice and top up with soda.
• Serve immediately.

Per serving: 65 cals

Prepare ahead: You can make up the gin, elderflower and cucumber mixture the night before. Cover and chill.