If you’re a gin fan, the Eastside Cocktail might just hit the spot as your next favorite refreshing drink. This gin-based cocktail blends cucumber and mint with the zing of lime juice and simple syrup, creating a well-balanced and tart flavor profile perfect for sipping. Often enjoyed during happy hour or even at home, this cocktail offers a bit of everything – refreshing, tangy, and delightful to drink.
This famous mix bears a resemblance to its classic Southside counterpart, with a unique edge that comes from the fresh cucumber and mint. Both cocktails are essentially riffs on the traditional Gimlet, maintaining the three-part structure: gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. The Eastside is a remarkably simple yet well-balanced drink that combines the delicious flavors of fresh cucumber and mint, resulting in a cocktail that’s as elegant as it is refreshing.
For those who appreciate a simple, refreshing cocktail, this recipe is a must-try. The careful blending of gin, cucumber, and mint meets the acidity of lime and the sweetness of simple syrup, making it an instant hit. Whether you’re looking to elevate your home bartending skills or searching for the perfect happy hour drink, the Eastside Cocktail perfectly embodies everything you could desire in a well-balanced, tart beverage.
Eastside Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 slices cucumber: Adds a refreshing quality and should be gently muddled.
- 7 mint leaves: Provides a fragrant, herbal note.
- 2 oz. gin: The star of the cocktail, bringing juniper-forward flavors.
- 3/4 oz. simple syrup: Made by combining equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
- 1 oz. fresh lime juice: Balances the sweetness with its bright acidity.
The easiest way to make it is to combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir until the sugar is dissolved. I recommend using 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water for a small batch of simple syrup.
These Tools I Use
- Boston Cocktail Shaker Set: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly.
- Stainless Steel Muddler: Crushes fresh cucumber and mint leaves to release natural juices and aromas.
- Handheld Juicer: Extracts every drop of zesty lime juice effortlessly.
- Handheld Citrus Juicer: Useful for larger citrus fruits, ensuring no juice is left behind.
- Hawthorne Strainer: Efficiently filters out ice shards and large particles for a smooth sip.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Catches even the smallest pieces of mint or cucumber that might slip through.
- Classic Cocktail Picks: Adds flair and elegance to the presentation with garnishments like a slice of cucumber or a sprig of mint.
Perfecting the Eastside Cocktail isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about the passion and precision that goes into each step. With the right tools, you too can experience the delight of this wonderfully refreshing drink.
How to Make An Eastside Cocktail
When it comes to crafting the perfect cocktail, Muddling cucumber and mint leaves are essential steps in bringing out the genuine flavors. Start by placing a few cucumber slices and mint leaves into a cocktail shaker. Muddle them gently to release their aromas. This technique, often referred to as muddling, ensures that the essential oils are liberated, lending a prominent flavor to your drink.
Add gin, simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice into the shaker. These components blend harmoniously, creating a refreshing base. Next, fill the shaker with ice and secure the lid. Shake the mixture vigorously until well chilled. This process not only cools the cocktail but also helps to slightly dilute the ingredients, making for a smoother sip.
Before you strain your cocktail, ensure your coupe glass has been chilling in the freezer. A frosted glass can make a significant difference in maintaining the drink’s temperature. Double strain the concoction into the frosted coupe glass to catch any residual pieces of mint or cucumber that might have bypassed the first straining, ensuring a smooth finish. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a single mint leaf for an elegant touch.
For a personal twist, I find that shaken drinks, especially those involving muddled ingredients, often benefit from a slightly bitter taste. When mint leaves are muddled aggressively or even torn apart, their natural oils are released more effectively. This adds a unique depth to the cocktail that’s both fragrant and flavorful.
What Gin Should I Use?
Choosing the right gin sets your Eastside cocktail apart. London Dry gin is your best choice. Brands like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Hendrick’s add a unique flavor. The cucumber notes really complement the rosemary. As a personal favorite, Beefeater’s balances the herbs elegantly.
Eastside Cocktail History
As a bartender in New York City, I first encountered the Eastside Cocktail at Milk & Honey. This refreshing libation was created by George Delgado in 2004, drawing much attention for its delightful blend. Originally an altered version of a classic, it quickly became popular in its straight-up version. It’s the quintessential drink that represents the innovative spirit of modern cocktails, having been developed and taken to new heights.
Eastside vs Southside Cocktail
Experiencing the Eastside cocktail is like savoring a cool breeze on a hot summer’s day. With freshly muddled cucumber and mint, this drink offers a cooling flavor that is simply unmatched. Unlike its Southside cousin, which follows the same recipe but without cucumber, the Eastside’s unique infused flavor makes it stand out. Both cocktails are delightful riffs on the classic gimlet, but the fresh notes of the Eastside bring a refreshing twist to your cocktail experience.
Can I make an Eastside Cocktail with Vodka?
Absolutely! You can adjust the Eastside cocktail recipe by substitution to make the same drink with vodka. Some ingredients might need a slight altar, but I encourage you to try it and see if you prefer it over gin. Personal preference plays a big role in cocktails, and this variant is worth experimenting with.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a refreshing and complex cocktail, the Eastside Cocktail is a top-notch choice. This delightful mix of gin, cucumber, and mint paired with the smooth balance of lime juice and simple syrup, delivers a drink that’s both refreshing and sophisticated. It’s a must-try for any gin aficionado, offering a unique twist on classic cocktails that will invigorate your palate. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, the Eastside can transform any occasion into a memorable experience.
FAQs
Why do you put cucumber in gin?
The cucumber adds a grassy note think mown lawns in a glass with the slight bitterness of the skin melding perfectly with the tonic’s quinine. Even if you’re not into drinking any more, it’s hard to give that up.
What is the difference between a gimlet and a southside?
The Southside is quite literally, a Gin Gimlet served straight up with mint (or a Gin Daiquiri with mint). It is a modern offshoot of the Southside Fizz, which contains soda water – hence the “fizz”, though in many ways the Southside has surpassed it’s progenitor in worldwide recognition.
What cocktail is made of gin and lime juice?
The classic Gimlet cocktail is a three-ingredient masterclass in simplicity and balance. Composed only of gin, lime juice, and sugar, it helped pave the way for countless cocktails to follow, from the Margarita to the Daiquiri and the Sidecar.
Who invented the Southside cocktail?
From Hugo Enslinn’s 1917 Mixed Drink book to the Long Island South Side Sportsmen’s Club, few know where this century old craft cocktail really came from. The Southside, unlike the Martini, Manhattan, or Daiquiri, didn’t survive Prohibition and never really became a household name.