You know that feeling when you’re sitting near the ocean, breeze in your hair, something cool in your hand? That’s exactly what the Oceanside cocktail brings to your glass. It’s crisp, herbaceous, and just a little salty—like a sea breeze you can sip. This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights, and I thought I’d share how you can make it at home, no surfboard required.
Oceanside
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Cocktail or highball glass (both work great)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin – a floral or citrus-forward gin works best
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice – freshly squeezed, always
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup – adjust to taste
– 6–8 fresh mint leaves – plus more for garnish
– Pinch of sea salt – just enough to enhance the flavors
– Ice – for shaking and serving
– Optional garnish: lime wheel, cucumber ribbon, or mint sprig
Method
- In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with a pinch of sea salt. Don’t crush the mint—just press enough to release the aroma.
- Pour in the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake for about 15 seconds until it’s cold to the touch.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass (or pour over fresh ice in a highball glass if you prefer it on the rocks).
- Garnish with a mint sprig, lime wheel, or even a thin ribbon of cucumber for a refreshing look and aroma.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lime juice. Bottled juice just won’t give you the same bright flavor.
– If you don’t have simple syrup, mix equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved. Let it cool before using.
– Want it less sweet? Start with just a ¼ oz (7 ml) of syrup and adjust to taste.
– Not a fan of gin? Vodka works too—it’ll make the drink milder and let the mint and lime shine.
– Don’t skip the salt! It brings out the herbal notes and makes the whole drink pop.
Make-Ahead Note
You can mix the lime juice, syrup, and gin a few hours in advance and keep it chilled. Just add the mint and salt when you’re ready to shake and serve to keep it fresh.
Storage
While the Oceanside is best enjoyed fresh, you can store the pre-mixed base (without mint or salt) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick shake before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is light, bright, and super versatile when it comes to food pairings. Here are a few of my favorites:
Grilled Seafood
Shrimp skewers, grilled octopus, or seared scallops pair beautifully with the Oceanside’s clean, citrusy profile. The smoky, charred edges bring out the herbal flavors in the drink.
Fresh Salads
A salad with arugula, goat cheese, and citrus vinaigrette is a perfect match. The cocktail’s mint and lime lift the greens and tie everything together.
Soft Cheeses
Try serving it with a small cheese board—think brie, chèvre, or a creamy Camembert. The drink cuts through the richness and keeps each bite feeling fresh.
Variations to Try
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here are a few twists that keep it exciting:
Beachside
– Swap gin for coconut rum
– Add a splash of pineapple juice
– Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or a pineapple wedge
Harborside
– Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) elderflower liqueur for a floral, slightly sweet touch
– Garnish with an edible flower like a pansy or viola
Waveside
– Muddle a few thin cucumber slices with the mint
– Adds a cooling, spa-like twist
Virgin Oceanside (Non-Alcoholic)
– Use 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup or honey
– Muddle with mint and sea salt
– Top with soda water
– Garnish with mint or cucumber
Common Questions
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Combine everything except the mint and salt ahead of time. Just muddle and shake to order or serve over ice in a pitcher with fresh mint sprigs.
How do I keep the mint from turning bitter?
Be gentle when muddling. Press it lightly—don’t grind it. Over-muddling can release bitterness from the stems.
What kind of gin works best?
Go for a gin with bright citrus or floral notes. London dry gins are a good choice, but something like a cucumber or herb-infused gin can also work beautifully.
When’s the best time to serve this?
Warm afternoons, lazy beach days, or when you just need a little escape in a glass. It’s also great as a welcome drink at a dinner party.
Is there a seasonal spin?
Yes! In the fall, try adding a dash of cinnamon syrup. In summer, muddle in a couple of fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries for a burst of fruit.
The Oceanside is one of those cocktails that feels fancy but is totally doable at home. Whether you’re hosting friends or just kicking back after a long day, it’s a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink that never fails.
