Monday Mystery Mondays Recipe
See your server for cocktail specials
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Bar Base & Spirits
Flavoring & Mystery Element
Garnish & Finish
Method
Preparation
Mixing the Cocktail
Add vodka (2 oz), orange liqueur (0.5 oz), fresh lemon juice (0.75 oz), simple syrup (0.5 oz), and the seasonal puree or juice (1 oz) to the shaker with ice.
Add the house or aromatic bitters (2 dashes).
Add the mystery ingredient selected by the server. If the item is an herb (basil, mint), clap it between your palms once to release oils and drop it in. If it's a spicy item (jalapeño slice), drop a thin slice in to steep briefly (remove if guest prefers less heat). If it's a syrup or tincture (ginger syrup, lavender), add the measured small amount as provided by the server.
Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is cold and slightly frosted.
Finishing & Serving
Strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice. For a smoother texture, double strain using a fine mesh strainer to remove herb bits or seeds.
Top gently with sparkling water or club soda (about 2 oz) to add effervescence. Stir once gently to combine.
Garnish with a citrus twist or wheel and a fresh herb sprig that complements the mystery ingredient (e.g., basil for basil, mint for mint, rosemary for more aromatic profiles). If the mystery element was spicy, consider a citrus wheel to balance heat.
Serve immediately and inform the guest of the mystery ingredient and suggested flavor notes (sweet, tart, herbal, spicy, floral).