Lakeside Cocktail Recipe

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Lakeside Nutrition Facts

Calories:215

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:17g

Alcohol:16%

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: January 7, 2024

History

The Lakeside cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant drink, perfect for enjoying by the water on a warm summer day. It was first created by a talented bartender at a lakeside resort, who wanted to capture the essence of the beautiful surroundings in a glass. The cocktail quickly gained popularity among guests and soon became a signature drink at the resort.

  • The Lakeside cocktail is inspired by the serene beauty of a lakeside setting
  • It's a favorite among those who enjoy spending time by the water
  • The drink is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day, as it's light and refreshing

How Lakeside Tastes?

The Lakeside cocktail has a balanced and refreshing taste, with a hint of sweetness from the honey syrup and a subtle tartness from the lemon juice. The gin adds a botanical complexity, while the elderflower liqueur provides a delicate floral note. Overall, the drink is light, crisp, and invigorating.

Interesting facts about Lakeside

  • The Lakeside cocktail is often garnished with a sprig of fresh mint, which adds a burst of color and a refreshing aroma
  • Elderflower liqueur, a key ingredient in the Lakeside cocktail, is made from the flowers of the elderberry plant, which are handpicked during a short period in late spring
  • The honey syrup used in the Lakeside cocktail not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the drink's smooth texture

Ingredients

A few good options for Lakeside are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin provides the spirituous backbone of the Lakeside. Its botanical flavor profiles often include juniper, coriander, citrus peels, and other herbs. It's not just about going for a scenic sip; it's about structure. At 2oz, you've got enough to stand up to the other flavors without turning the cocktail into a punch-up at a garden party.

Alex Green

Elderflower Liqueur

The elderflower liqueur brings a subtle, floral sweetness; put simply, it's like a whisper of spring in your glass. If the Lakeside were a song, the elderflower's 0.75oz is the melody that gets stuck in your head. Less and you’d miss the harmony; more and it's a floral overkill.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice, at 0.5oz, acts like the zingy text message that cuts through a dull conversation; it’s essential for brightness and balance. Ditch it, and the drink goes flatter than a pancake. The acid here is the MVP—overdo it, and the drink gets tart enough to make lemonade jealous.

Mary Mitkina

Honey Syrup

Here's the sweet talker, honey syrup, at 0.5oz. Enough to smooth over the sharp edges without making it seem like you're drinking breakfast. It carries a warm, rich sweetness that's more sophisticated than just granulated sugar.

Alex Green

Soda Water

Finally, a top-off with soda water. It’s like adding a dose of effervescence – a little oh-la-la to lift everything up. You're going for a refreshing splash, not a tidal wave. Skip it, and you'll miss out on the lightness that makes this cocktail a breezy lakeside retreat.

Emma Rose

Mint Sprig

The mint sprig garnish is the final touch, a nod to traditional good looks and a give-away of fetch freshness. It adds a cool, aromatic sniff as the door to the flavor party swings wide open.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Lakeside Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and honey syrup
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice
  5. Top with soda water
  6. Gently stir to combine
  7. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
  • Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer
  • Shake the ingredients well to ensure they're fully combined

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers & Snacks

  • Fresh Oysters: A classic pairing for gin-based cocktails, the brininess of the oysters complements the herbal notes in gin.
  • Cucumber Sandwiches: Their light, refreshing taste echoes the fresh profile of the Lakeside cocktail.
  • Cheese Platter: Opt for milder cheeses like goat cheese or brie, which won't overpower the delicate elderflower flavor.

Main Courses

  • Grilled White Fish: A simple, lemon-herbed white fish would go swimmingly with the bright flavors of the cocktail.
  • Rosemary Chicken: The herbal undertones of the rosemary will pull together the botanical notes found in the gin.

Desserts

  • Lemon Sorbet: The tartness from the sorbet would enhance the citrus notes within the drink.
  • Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta: The smooth, creamy texture and vanilla notes would balance the floral and zesty flavors of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Lakeside

  • Vodka can be used instead of gin for a smoother taste
  • Agave syrup can replace honey syrup if preferred
  • Lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice for a different citrus note

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Lakeside

  • Add 3-4 slices of fresh cucumber to the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
  • Follow the original recipe.
  • Instead of a mint sprig, garnish with a thin cucumber slice.

This fresh twist introduces a spa-like quality to the cocktail, enhancing the drink's connection to nature and serenity. The cucumber's cooling effect matches perfectly with the gin and elderflower's botanicals.

Spicy Lakeside

  • Muddle a small slice of jalapeño pepper with the honey syrup in the cocktail shaker.
  • Follow the original recipe, omitting the mint garnish.
  • Garnish with a jalapeño wheel.

Turning up the heat, this twist adds a playful kick that'll warm you like the sun peering over the lake. It contrasts sharply with the cocktail's inherent coolness, creating a memorable sizzle in each sip.

Berry Lakeside

  • Muddle 3-4 ripe raspberries in the cocktail shaker before adding the liquids.
  • Follow the original recipe but add 0.25oz more lemon juice to balance the added sweetness.
  • Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint.

In this twist, the berries add a vibrant splash of color and a juicy, sweet-tart punch that dives into the lake of gin and floral notes, swimmingly augmenting the overall refreshing nature of the cocktail.

In case you forgot basics how to make Lakeside

Add 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 shake

Place 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 strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing 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 garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Lakeside

What type of gin works best for the Lakeside cocktail?

You can use any type of gin you prefer, but using a premium dry gin can enhance the cocktail's botanical complexity.

Can this cocktail be made non-alcoholic?

Yes, to create a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the gin with a botanical non-alcoholic spirit, and the elderflower liqueur with elderflower cordial.

Can I substitute other garnishes instead of a mint sprig?

Sure, while mint is the traditional garnish, you can also use a lemon or lime wheel, or even a sprig of rosemary for a different but still refreshing twist.

Why is the Lakeside cocktail served in a Collins glass?

A Collins glass is tall and narrow, which is great for drinks with a high proportion of non-alcoholic mixers like this one. It also allows for ample ice, which keeps the drink chilled.

What should I pair with a Lakeside cocktail?

Given its light and refreshing taste, a Lakeside cocktail pairs well with seafood dishes, light salads, or fruity desserts.

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