Eastside Cocktail Recipe
Eastside Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Eastside cocktail is a refreshing gin-based drink that was popularized in the 1920s during the prohibition era in the United States. It's a variation of the Southside cocktail, but with the addition of cucumber. It's perfect for those who enjoy a refreshing, crisp cocktail with a hint of sweetness and a touch of tartness.
How Eastside Tastes?
The Eastside cocktail is a refreshing, crisp, and slightly sweet drink with a hint of tartness from the lime and a unique flavor from the cucumber and mint.
Interesting facts about Eastside
- The Eastside cocktail is a variation of the Southside cocktail, but with the addition of cucumber.
- It was popularized in the 1920s during the prohibition era in the United States.
- Despite its name, the Eastside cocktail is not necessarily associated with a specific location.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
- Mint leaves: 8
- Cucumber slices: 3
A few good options for Eastside are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
Gin is the backbone of the Eastside, providing a robust, botanical base that marries beautifully with the mint and cucumber. It typically comes in at 2 oz for a balanced strength. If you skimp on the gin, you'll end up with a drink that's too tame, while too much and you'll overshadow the delicate herbal notes. If gin isn't your thing, try vodka for a more neutral spirit that lets the other flavors shine through.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Juice
Lime juice is key for adding a zesty punch, cutting through the sweetness of the syrup, and providing balance. At 1 oz, it's just enough acidity to foil the gin's heat. If you forget the lime, you'll miss out on that crisp tanginess; use too much and you've got a face-squishing sour. No lime juice? Lemon juice could substitute, but expect a slightly different kind of citrus kick.
Mary Mitkina
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup's sweet touch (1 oz) is crucial for softening the edges of the gin and lime, rounding out the cocktail. Underdo it and your drink will be sharply tart, overdo it and you'll think you've stumbled into Candyland. If you're out of simple syrup, honey syrup could serve as a stand-in for a more floral sweetness.
Alex Green
Mint Leaves
Aha, mint leaves! Eight of them bring a refreshing coolness that defines an Eastside. Not enough mint and the drink is just a gin sour playing dress-up; too much and it's like chewing a pack of gum. If your mint garden has been plundered by cocktail-loving gnomes, a slight pinch of basil could work, adding a peppery twist.
Mary Mitkina
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices (three to be exact)—they're the spa treatment for this cocktail, giving it an unexpected freshness and cool crunch. Skimp on the cukes and the drink loses its 'ahh' factor, but use too many and you risk watering down the flavor. If cucumbers aren't your style, a slice of melon could make a nice, albeit sweeter, stand-in.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Eastside Drink
- Muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves in a shaker.
- Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Make sure to muddle the cucumber and mint well to release their flavors.
- Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Sushi and Sashimi: The clean, herbal notes of the Eastside complement the delicate flavors of raw fish.
- Light Salads: A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing works well with the freshness of the Eastside.
- Cheese Platter: Go for fresh cheeses like goat cheese or feta to match the cocktail's brightness.
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips.
- White Wine: Choose a crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc to echo the clean, bright flavors of the Eastside.
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What you could change in Eastside
If you don't have gin, you can substitute it with vodka. If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving sugar in hot water.
Explore all drinks starting with E here
And of course - twists🍹
Honeydew Eastside
- Swap the cucumber slices for honeydew melon chunks, and use honey syrup instead of simple syrup.
- The melon's sweetness and the honey's floral notes take you to a summer garden party where the drinks are as green as the lawn.
Spicy Eastside
- Before muddling, add a thin slice of jalapeño to the cucumber and mint.
- It'll give the cocktail a feisty kick—perfect for those who like a walk on the wild side with each sip, adding fire to the ice.
Rosemary Eastside
- Replace mint leaves with a sprig of rosemary and add a splash of grapefruit juice.
- Imagine the Eastside just took a Mediterranean holiday—rosemary's piney aroma dancing with gin's botanicals, and grapefruit offering a bittersweeter symphony.
In case you forgot basics how to make Eastside
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Eastside
Why is this cocktail called 'Eastside'?
Despite popular belief, the Eastside cocktail is not named after any particular location or region. The origin of the name remains largely unknown.
What type of gin works best for the Eastside cocktail?
Any quality dry gin works well for an Eastside cocktail. However, gins with a good balance of botanicals, especially those featuring cucumber and mint, can enhance the flavor of the cocktail.
How do I avoid getting bits of cucumber and mint in my drink?
When you strain the cocktail into your glass, use a fine mesh strainer. This will catch any small pieces of cucumber or mint, giving you a smooth drink.
How can I make this cocktail if I don't have a cocktail shaker?
You can use any container with a tight-fitting lid, like a mason jar. Add the ingredients, put the lid on tightly, and shake well. Be careful when opening as it might be under pressure.
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