Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:14%
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: January 7, 2024
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.
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.
A few good options for Eastside are:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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Despite popular belief, the Eastside cocktail is not named after any particular location or region. The origin of the name remains largely unknown.
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.
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.
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.
The Cucumber Martini is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a subtle hint of botanicals. It has a light, slightly sweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The cucumber adds a cool, fresh flavor that balances the sharpness of the gin and the tanginess of the lemon.
The Pimm's Cup is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the Pimm's No. 1. It has a light and crisp taste, perfect for warm summer days.
The Cucumber Cooler is a crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the lime juice. It has a light, clean taste with a subtle cucumber flavor.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
The Dark 'N' Stormy has a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The rich, dark rum provides a strong base, while the ginger beer adds a refreshing, zesty kick. The lime juice adds a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
The Grasshopper cocktail is sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of mint. The combination of chocolate and mint flavors creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and light.
