The OP asked for recipes, so here's one. I served it one Christmas, and it was good. It comes from the Joy of Cooking.

RHINE WINE CUP

Mix in a punch bowl:
(Make sure the bowl is big enough before you start pouring)

1 cup sugar syrup
2 cups lemon juice
1 cup brandy
2 cups dry sherry
1 cup strong tea
3 bottles Rhine wine or other dry, white wine
2 cups thinly sliced, peeled, seeded cucumbers

After 20 minutes, remove the cucumber. Add a large block of ice and pour over it

1 quart carbonated water.

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The taste of this makes me aware that cucumber is indeed a fruit.