Eastside

The Eastside Cocktail is a refreshing gin-based drink that combines cucumber, mint, lime juice, and simple syrup. It's a modern twist on the classic Gimlet, offering a cool and herbaceous flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin (a London Dry gin recommended)

• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice

• 3/4 ounce simple syrup

• 2 cucumber slices

• 5 fresh mint leaves

• Ice cubes

• Cucumber slice and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Chill the Glass: Place a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.

2. Muddle Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the cucumber slices gently to release their juice. Add the mint leaves and press them gently with the muddler to release their oils, being careful not to over-muddle to avoid bitterness.

3. Add Liquids: To the shaker, add the gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.

4. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.

5. Strain: Remove the chilled glass from the freezer. Double-strain the cocktail into the glass using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any cucumber or mint particles.

6. Garnish: Float a cucumber slice on the surface of the drink and add a sprig of mint as a garnish.

Notes:

• Muddling: Muddle the cucumber slices gently to release their juice. Add the mint leaves and press them gently with the muddler to release their oils, being careful not to over-muddle to avoid bitterness.

• Simple Syrup: Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of simple syrup between 0.5 to 1 ounce, according to your taste.

• Gin Selection: Using different styles of gin with different aromatics and notes can enhance the cocktail's flavor.