The Eastside cocktail is one of those drinks that feels like summer in a glass. It’s light, crisp, and refreshing—perfect for when the weather’s warm and you want something cool and herbal with just the right amount of zing. Made with gin, lime, cucumber, and fresh mint, it’s incredibly easy to put together but feels just fancy enough for a special evening. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I picked up along the way: don’t over-muddle the mint. You want the oils, not mint confetti floating in your glass.
Eastside
Ingredients
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Glassware: Chilled coupe glass or rocks glass
- 2 oz (60 ml) gin – choose a botanical-forward gin for best flavor
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice – about half a juicy lime
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) simple syrup – equal parts sugar and water, stirred until dissolved
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves – plus a sprig for garnish
- 3–4 thin cucumber slices
- Ice – enough to fill your shaker
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves and cucumber slices. Don’t crush them too hard—just enough to release their fresh aroma.
- Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake it hard for about 15 seconds, until the outside feels nice and cold.
- Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass (or rocks glass if that’s what you have on hand). This helps keep bits of mint and cucumber out of your drink.
- Garnish with a mint sprig or a thin cucumber wheel. Serve immediately.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– You can make the simple syrup in advance. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– If you’re planning to serve a crowd, mix the gin, lime juice, and syrup in a pitcher and store it in the fridge. Just muddle fresh mint and cucumber per drink when you’re ready to serve.
– Don’t store a fully made Eastside, as the mint and cucumber lose their brightness quickly.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is bright and cooling, so it pairs well with food that’s equally fresh and light.
Great with:
- Seafood: Grilled shrimp, ceviche, or sushi go beautifully with the herbal and citrus notes.
- Appetizers: Try it with bruschetta, goat cheese crostini, or a fresh summer salad.
- Asian flavors: It’s lovely alongside Thai dishes or Vietnamese spring rolls—anything with a bit of spice or citrus.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. There’s just something about the combo of cucumber and mint that makes it feel like a breeze in a glass.
Tips for a Perfect Eastside
- Use fresh ingredients. Bottled lime juice won’t give you the same brightness.
- Don’t over-muddle the mint. Press gently to release oils without tearing the leaves too much.
- Chill your glass. Stick it in the freezer for a few minutes—it makes a difference.
- Use clear, fresh ice. Cloudy or freezer-burned ice can affect the taste and look of your drink.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Substitutions
- Gin: Swap for vodka if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
- Simple syrup: Try honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water) or agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness.
- Cucumber: No cucumber? Try a few slices of green apple or even a couple basil leaves for a twist.
Eastside Variations
Spicy Eastside
- Add: A few slices of fresh jalapeño
- How: Muddle with the cucumber and mint for a subtle kick
Winter Eastside
- Add: A cinnamon stick and star anise
- How: Infuse your gin with the spices for a few hours before mixing
Berry Eastside
- Add: A handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries
- How: Muddle with the mint and cucumber before shaking
Virgin Eastside (Non-Alcoholic)
- Skip the gin and add a splash of sparkling water instead
- Build over ice in a glass, stir well, and garnish as usual
FAQs
Can I make an Eastside without a cocktail shaker?
Yes! Use a clean jar with a tight lid. Just be sure to strain well.
What’s the best gin to use?
Look for a gin that’s bright and herbaceous. Hendrick’s, Bombay Sapphire, or Tanqueray work well.
How do I make this for a party?
Mix everything but the ice in a pitcher. Keep it chilled and shake each serving with ice just before pouring.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice really makes a difference here. Bottled juice tends to be more sour and less fragrant.
Can I grow my own mint?
Absolutely. Mint grows like crazy in a pot—just give it sun and water, and you’ll have plenty for cocktails all season.
Wrap-Up
The Eastside is more than just a pretty drink—it’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and always refreshing. Whether you’re sipping one on a warm afternoon or serving a batch to friends, it’s a cocktail that never goes out of style. Try a variation, pair it with something delicious, and enjoy the moment.
