There’s a certain rhythm to a great night out. Think of a speakeasy that doesn’t just play good music, but sets the tone for the entire experience. In that same spirit of surprise, it’s often not the headliner that defines the night but the offbeat details, like someone casually trading a cucumber for a cocktail.
This June, Hendrick’s Gin turns the Metro Manila nightlife scene on its head with the return of the Cucumber Currency Exchange, a curious celebration that lets you swap an ordinary cucumber for an extraordinary Hendrick’s & Tonic at over 50 bars across the city. From Makati rooftops to Quezon City’s hidden haunts, the activation fuses gin, gig culture, and a splash of the surreal, all in honor of World Cucumber Day on June 14.
Cucumbers for Cocktails, Music for the Mood
From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, guests can walk into participating venues — cucumber in hand — and walk out with a Hendrick’s & Tonic. No cash, no cards, only cold, hard produce at bars like Curator, Polilya, Southbank, and Wrong Door. With curated Hendrick’s playlists and surprise DJ sets in the mix, the night slips easily into something more immersive.
In these music-driven settings, Hendrick’s Gin stands out for its clean, refreshing profile. Whether the soundtrack is indie, deep house, or R&B, a Hendrick’s & Tonic complements the city’s after-hours energy.
A Tarot Twist and Refreshing Encounters
If you’re feeling a little mystical, the celebration doesn’t stop at cocktails. From June 12 to 14, select spots like Eraya, Fr Mgmt, and Spritz offer free tarot card readings with the purchase of two Hendrick’s cocktails, infusing your night out with a touch of the occult. Think cucumber-infused fate and gin-guided fortune telling. It’s cheeky, charming, and the right amount of chaotic.
As Charmaine Thio, Southeast Asia Regional Brand Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin, puts it: “The cucumber has always been our muse — a quiet hero in the Hendrick’s Gin experience.” This muse is now getting the full spotlight, not as a garnish, but as currency.
The Peculiar Power of Play
In a nightlife landscape that can often feel recycled, Hendrick’s injects a much-needed burst of originality. It challenges people to show up, stand out, and embrace the unconventional.
This month, experience the chance to bond with strangers over cucumbers at Dr. Wine, sip cocktails beside tarot readings at Eraya, or engage in a distinctive dining experience at Fauna MNL while bartenders craft expertly balanced herbal creations.
Ready to Raise Your Glass (and Cucumber)?
Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a longtime Hendrick’s regular, there’s never been a better excuse to hit the bars, try something strange, and maybe discover your new go-to hangout spot in the process. Check the full list of participating venues at hendricksgin.com and plan your route — from Laguna to Quezon City, there’s a spot waiting to swap your cucumber for a cocktail.
So grab your produce and toast to the music, mood, and madness that is World Cucumber Day. After all, it’s not every day you pay for a drink with a vegetable.