Mixing with Conor Curran: Watermelon and Cucumber Gin Cooler

Gorgeous, gorgeous people drink gorgeous, gorgeous cocktails. That’s why we’ve teamed up with one of the most gorgeous people we know, Conor Curran, to create the yummiest, fruitiest watermelon cocktail ever: a Watermelon and Cucumber Gin Cooler (Harry Styles, eat your heart out).

If you’re not familiar with our mate Conor Curran, he’s a foodie, personality, Masterchef contestant and a wicked good laugh. We asked him a few hard-hitting questions so we can all get to know him a little better. Starting with one of the most important and divisive questions: Which celebrity alive or dead would you like to share a cocktail with? “George Michael,” says Conor, without skipping a beat. “But has to be in his mansion, as he plays his piano in the foyer and I sip my cocktail whilst laying on top of said piano in a slip dress.” A man after our own heart.

So what’s the inspiration behind Conor’s deliciously refreshing gin cooler? “The sun is out right now in Aus, so nothing feels more refreshing to me than watermelon and a cooler.” Amen.

But what exactly is a Cooler cocktail? According to Conor, a Cooler is just some yum refreshing ingredients put together very simply.  “It’s for legends at home who want something fast and delicious.”

The Watermelon and Cucumber Gin Cooler is a godsend for those of us who love a bit of simplicity. It’s just great ingredients stirred in your fave glass, with an exciting garnish and that’s basically it. If you want to be a bit fancy, Conor tells us this is the perfect cocktail to pair with “summer salads! Fruit, cheese and green combination salads work extremely well with crisp watermelon. Something like figs, burrata, sorrel leaves and watercress would combo perfectly.”

So if you’ve got an arvo free and feel like a lil' pre-dinner cocktail, have a go at Conor’s delicious Watermelon and Cucumber Gin Cooler.

Salivating yet? Before you start your Watermelon and Cucumber Gin Cooler adventure, we have a couple of solid prep tips straight from the horse’s (Conor’s) mouth. Starting off with the most important ingredient, watermelon.

When making your cocktail, it’s important to source or juice your own watermelon fresh. This is what gives the drink its beautiful vibrant colour and refreshing kick (which is what you want in a cooler).

Conor’s last tidbit of advice is to make sure you “place your straw popping out of the mint leaf garnish, so your nose and palate are getting hit at the same time. Seems simple, but really makes a difference to the overall enjoyment.”

And there you have it, all that’s left to do is chuck on some George Michael, squeeze into your slip dress and chill out with some of your best mates.