A crisp gin cocktail can turn an ordinary evening into something special. The Eastside Cocktail does this with ease, blending fresh lime, cucumber, and mint for a drink that tastes clean and refreshing.
This simple Eastside Cocktail recipe walks you through making a balanced gin cocktail that’s light, smooth, and full of fresh flavor.
Honestly, I love how the Eastside takes the classic Southside and just tosses in cucumber for a cool twist. It’s easy to mix at home with a handful of ingredients and basic bar tools.
Once you try it, you’ll probably get why it’s a favorite for warm afternoons or just relaxed nights.
Eastside Cocktail Recipe
The Eastside cocktail blends gin, cucumber, and mint for a crisp, refreshing drink. You just need the right tools, fresh ingredients, and a few minutes to shake it all together.
Equipment
Before I start, I set out my tools. Having them ready helps me work faster and keeps the flavors balanced.
- Cocktail shaker – for mixing and chilling the drink evenly
- Muddler – to press the mint and cucumber gently
- Jigger – for measuring gin, lime juice, and simple syrup accurately
- Fine strainer – to remove mint bits and cucumber pulp
- Chilled coupe glass – to keep the cocktail cold and smooth
- Cocktail pick – to hold the mint sprig garnish neatly
I always make sure my glassware is cold and my shaker’s clean. That way, the drink stays bright and consistent from the first sip to the last.
Ingredients
I always reach for fresh ingredients—they really make a difference. The Eastside tastes best with crisp mint, cucumber, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- 4–5 fresh mint leaves
- 3–4 cucumber slices
- Ice cubes for shaking
- Mint sprig and cucumber slice for garnish
I usually go with a London dry gin for its clean, botanical flavor. Lime juice brightens things up, and simple syrup smooths out the tartness. Mint and cucumber add that cool, garden-fresh aroma.
Instructions
I start by tossing the cucumber slices and mint leaves into the shaker. Then I grab the muddler and gently press them—just enough to release the oils and juice, but not so much that it gets bitter.
- Pour in the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup with a jigger.
- Add ice and shake for about 15 seconds, until the shaker feels cold.
- Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass to catch any solids.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a cucumber slice on a cocktail pick.
I serve it right away while it’s still icy and fragrant. The mix of citrus, herbs, and gin just hits the spot—refreshing, but not too sweet.
Equipment
- Chilled coupe glass
- Cocktail pick
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 4-5 fresh mint leaves
- 3-4 cucumber slices fresh, thin
- ice cubes for shaking
- mint sprig for garnish
- cucumber slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add cucumber slices and mint leaves to the shaker. Muddle gently to release flavors.
- Pour in gin, lime juice, and simple syrup with a jigger.
- Add ice and shake for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove solids.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and cucumber slice on a cocktail pick.
Notes
Notes
I’ve noticed that too much mint can take over the drink, so I keep it light. Cucumber should taste clean, not bitter, so I always slice it fresh and thin.
If I don’t have a coupe glass handy, I’ll use a small martini glass. Sometimes I tweak the simple syrup a bit depending on how dry the gin is.
This cocktail’s best served immediately. If it sits too long, the aroma fades, so I shake and pour right before serving.
Tasting Notes
Right away, I taste a bright mix of lime and mint. The flavor comes across clean and crisp—kind of like a Southside Cocktail, but with a fresher, cooler vibe.
Cucumber brings in a soft, green note that really smooths out the tartness.
As I sip, the balance reminds me a bit of a Gimlet, just lighter and a touch more herbal.
The gin’s botanicals show up clearly, but they don’t take over the whole thing.
I appreciate how the drink stays refreshing and never gets too sweet.
When I go for a Spicy Eastside, the heat gives a gentle kick that lingers after each sip.
It doesn’t take over, but it adds some depth.
Honestly, I think George Delgado’s version nails that mix of brightness and warmth.
The finish stays cool and dry, leaving a clean taste on my tongue.
Each sip makes me want another—the flavors just work so well together.

