Eastside Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 14%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 15g
Prep time 2 minutes

Imagine you’re sitting outside on a warm summer’s day, wishing for the perfect drink to cool you down and lift your spirits. That’s where the Eastside cocktail comes in, with its crisp, refreshing blend of gin, fresh lime, and mint. Join us as we explore its storied history, tantalizing taste, and how to craft this classic concoction at home. Ready? Let’s shake things up!

History

The Eastside cocktail is a modern twist on the classic Southside, with a history rooted in American cocktail culture. It’s as stylish as it is delightful, with a backstory as intriguing as its taste. The cocktail’s cool reputation is a nod to the East Coast’s vibrant bar scene.

• The Eastside’s name hints at its geographic inspiration, the East Coast of the United States.
• Its creation is often attributed to the creative minds of bartenders in New York City.
• The cocktail is a celebration, merging the minty vigor of the Southside with the botanicals of gin.

The taste of an Eastside?

Sipping an Eastside is like taking a breath of fresh spring air, filled with the zesty tang of lime and the underlying herbal notes of mint and gin. It’s a symphony of cool refreshment that dances on the palate, leaving a pleasant, clean finish.

I find the Eastside incredibly delightful, particularly because it’s like a refreshing breeze in a glass, perfect for sipping on those long, sunny days.

Interesting facts about Eastside

• The Eastside cocktail often gets mistaken for a Mojito due to its use of mint and lime.
• It’s a favorite among those who appreciate the botanical complexity of gin without the heavy sweetness.
• Despite its simplicity, the Eastside has gained a sophisticated status among modern classics.

Ingredients

• Gin: 2 oz (60ml)
• Fresh lime juice: 3/4 oz (22ml)
• Simple syrup: 3/4 oz (22ml)
• Fresh mint leaves: A generous handful
• Cucumber: A few thin slices
• Ice cubes: As needed

A chilled coupe glass is the ideal vessel for an Eastside, as it showcases the cocktail’s elegance and preserves its delicate aromatics. If unavailable, a rocks glass can also serve as a fine alternative, cradling the drink’s essence.

Recipe. How to make Eastside

1. Muddle the mint leaves and cucumber slices gently in a shaker.
2. Add gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker with ice.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled, then double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a mint sprig or a thin cucumber wheel for an elegant touch.

While the Eastside is a delightful treat, it’s important to savor it responsibly. The cocktail does contain sugar, but opting for a natural sweetener or reducing the syrup can make for a healthier twist. The gin and fresh ingredients, when enjoyed in moderation, can be a part of a joyous and balanced lifestyle.

Food Pairings

The Eastside’s crisp flavor profile makes it an excellent companion for various dishes, enhancing the dining experience. Here are some foods that marry beautifully with the cocktail’s refreshing nature:

Light Appetizers

Delicate starters like bruschetta or ceviche pair wonderfully with an Eastside. The drink’s acidity and herbal notes complement the light, fresh flavors of these dishes.

Grilled Seafood

Grilled shrimp or fish, with their smoky and subtle flavors, are uplifted by the Eastside’s bright and minty characteristics.

Asian Cuisine

The cocktail’s crispness cuts through the richness of dishes like Thai green curry or sushi, balancing the palate with each sip.

I absolutely adore Eastsides for their ability to make any moment feel a bit more special, with their invigorating mint and the lively kick of lime.

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Bartender Advice

• Always use fresh mint and lime for the most vibrant flavors.
• Don’t over-muddle the mint; you want to release the oils, not shred the leaves.
• For an extra cold drink, chill your glass in the freezer before serving.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Eastside, let’s explore how you can tailor this cocktail to suit your taste and uncover some exciting twists to keep your palate intrigued.

What you could change in Eastside

• Gin: Replace with vodka for a smoother, less botanical variant.
• Simple syrup: Experiment with honey or agave nectar for a different sweetness.
• Cucumber: Try muddling with seasonal berries for a fruity take on the classic.

Eastside Variations

Spicy Eastside

• Ingredients: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the original mix.
• Recipe: Muddle jalapeño with cucumber and mint before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Winter Eastside

• Ingredients: Introduce a cinnamon stick and star anise to the shaker.
• Recipe: Infuse gin with the spices before mixing for a warming twist.

Berry Eastside

• Ingredients: A handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries.
• Recipe: Muddle berries with mint and proceed with the standard recipe.

For a non-alcoholic version of this refreshing drink, simply skip the gin and add a splash of soda water to the muddled mint, cucumber, and lime juice. Serve this ‘Virgin Eastside’ over ice for a thirst-quenching treat.

Q&A

Can I make an Eastside without any special equipment?

Sure! While a shaker is handy, you can stir the ingredients vigorously in a glass or use a jar with a tight lid to combine them.

Is the Eastside suitable for a winter cocktail menu?

Absolutely! The Eastside’s versatility makes it a year-round favorite; just tweak the ingredients to suit the season, like adding a cinnamon stick for warmth.

How can I grow my own mint for Eastsides at home?

Mint is quite easy to grow, even on a sunny windowsill. Just plant some in a pot, keep it watered, and you’ll have fresh mint whenever you need it!

What’s the best way to ensure my Eastside is perfectly chilled?

Chill your glass beforehand, and make sure your ice is fresh and plentiful when shaking the cocktail.

Can I batch-make Eastsides for a party?

Yes, you can! Mix all ingredients except the ice in a large container, and then shake individual servings with ice as needed.

Does the Eastside have any variations that include different spirits?

It does! While gin is traditional, you can experiment with vodka, tequila, or even rum to create a new twist on the classic Eastside flavor.