This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.
Cocktail History
The Eastside is a modern cocktail that was created by George Delgado at Libation in New York City, New York but ultimately gained popularity after being added to the menu at Milk & Honey. The recipe is a more complex variation of the Southside that muddles refreshing cucumber into the classic’s template of gin, citrus, mint, and simple syrup.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Gin: This is a spirit made with juniper berries, botanicals, and alcohol. I used Kaikyō Distillery Hyogo 135 Degree East Dry Gin.
Lime Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lime. I used freshly squeezed lime juice.
Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water. I made mine using this stovetop recipe.
Cucumber Slices: This is a cucumber slice that has been thinly cut into wheel shape.
Mint Leaves: This is an herb. I used Mojito mint leaves.
Mint Sprig: This is an herb. I used Mojito mint.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Muddler: This is used to muddle ingredients. I used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.
Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.
Cocktail Pick: This is used to hold the garnish. I used one from the Prodyne Stainless Steel Martini Picks Set.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Pale yellow green color
• Aroma: Mint and cucumber
• Taste: Herbal gin botanicals mingled with zesty mint
• Finish: Noticeable cool cucumber and more mint
Kendall’s Take
“Since the Southside has long been one of my favorite gin cocktails, I had a feeling I would enjoy this variation as well. The addition of cucumber adds a wonderfully cool and refreshing layer that pairs beautifully with the mint and citrus—making it feel especially crisp and perfect for warm weather. If you already love a Southside like I do, the Eastside is a natural next step.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was found in the book Steve The Bartender’s Cocktail Guide by Steve Roennfeldt.
Eastside
Description
The Eastside is a modern twist on the Southside, created by George Delgado at Libation in New York City and popularized at Milk & Honey. It adds muddled cucumber to the classic mix of gin, citrus, mint, and simple syrup for a refreshing complexity.
Ingredients
Method
Add mint leaves and three cucumber slices to a shaker.
Using a muddler, gently muddle mint leaves in cucumber slices for 5-7 seconds.
Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to shaker.
Fill shaker with cubed ice.
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
Using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer, strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with remaining cucumber slice and mint sprig.
