You'll never make the same mistake again, reports Danielle Colley.

If you thought it was de rigueur for a gin and tonic to have a citrus twist, you’re in for a quite a treat with Hendrick’s Gin’s delightfully unique world-first agricultural experiment.

Infused with 11 botanicals with a distinctive edge of cucumber and rose, Hendrick’s Gin is a curious spirit made in small batches in its seaside home of Girvan, Scotland. It is believed that Hendrick’s Gin comes alive when served with a slice of cucumber.

Now, the clever clan at the Hendrick’s distillery is inviting Australians to help them grow a most unusual cucumber.

This horticultural quest entails taking specially cultivated one-of-a-kind Australian cucumber seeds and enriching them as they grow with people’s choice nutrients. Using the powers of social media Hendrick’s will be presenting innovative ingredients such as kangaroo and emu poo on their Facebook page. They then invite their followers to vote on the unique combination of nutrients, which will enrich the gourds as they grow.

Professor of Horticulture and Pro-Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment at the University of Sydney, Robyn McConchie, is overseeing this unusual project.

“To develop a unique cucumber variety cultivated with Australian ingredients is a testimony to the innovation of Hendrick’s Gin,” says Professor McConchie. “It’s never been done before, and the team at the University of Sydney and Abundant Produce [who specialise in breeding vegetables] are excited to be a part of this world-first experience.”

Not only will the lucky Aussie cukes be subjected to a host of unusual nutrients but they will also be cultured with an array of uncommon scientific treatments, including iconic Australian songs played lovingly by classical musicians as they grow.

Upon the ripening of this dinky-di vegetable a soiree will be held in its honour allowing guests to sample the synergy that will be Hendrick’s Gin and the “Unusually Australian Cucumber”.

Morgan Flanagan, Hendrick’s Gin Brand Ambassador, says, “Cucumbers are synonymous with Hendrick’s Gin, and with most being imported to Australia, we wanted to create a variety that was iconic to this country. Every stage of this initiative is interactive, meaning everyone is able to play a part. There will also be wonderfully peculiar prizes to win along the way for those who get behind the plan. We’re looking forward to starting a conversation that’s both uniquely and unusually Australian.”

Voting opens on September 21 until September 30, 2016 via the Hendrick’s Gin Facebook page.