Go Back

Eastside Cocktail

The Eastside cocktail is a modern classic that balances crisp gin, bright citrus, and an unexpected punch of fresh cucumber and mint to create something that feels both sophisticated and approachable. This refreshing and herbal drink is perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 ounces gin London Dry style works best
  • 0.75 ounces fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 ounces simple syrup
  • 7 fresh mint leaves
  • 3 slices of fresh cucumber about 1/8 inch thick
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: edible flower or cucumber ribbon for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker (Boston shaker or standard mixing shaker)
  • Jigger or shot glass for measuring
  • Bar spoon or long mixing spoon
  • Strainer (preferably a Hawthorne strainer)
  • Coupe glass or similar cocktail glass
  • Muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon)
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Citrus juicer or reamer

Method
 

  1. Cut your cucumber into thin slices roughly 1/8 inch thick and pluck fresh mint leaves from the stem, aiming for medium-sized leaves. Keep these separate for now.
  2. Add a generous handful of fresh ice cubes to your cocktail shaker.
  3. Measure out 1.5 ounces of gin using your jigger and pour it into the ice-filled shaker.
  4. Pour 0.75 ounces of fresh lime juice and 0.5 ounces of simple syrup into the shaker.
  5. Add 3 to 4 thin cucumber slices to the shaker and gently muddle them a few times using a muddler or the back of your bar spoon, lightly bruising the cucumber without pulverizing it.
  6. Add 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves to the shaker and slap them briefly between your palms to wake up their oils before dropping them in.
  7. Close the shaker and shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds.
  8. Place a strainer over the top of the shaker and carefully pour the mixture into a chilled coupe glass, leaving the muddled cucumber and mint behind in the shaker.
  9. Add a cucumber ribbon or thin slice as a garnish along with a single mint leaf for visual appeal. Serve immediately while the drink is still properly chilled.

Notes

Chill your coupe glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving. Use fresh ingredients for best results. Don't over-muddle the cucumber or mint as this releases bitter compounds. Fresh lime juice is essential and should not be substituted with bottled juice.