Syster Recipe

inspired by

@thearms

Mar 22 2026

•

10m

•

Serves 1

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Recipe information

Make Syster in just 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

SYSTER Cocktail — Directions

1. Prep

Chill a coupe or highball glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes. Thinly slice a cucumber and set aside one long ribbon for garnish. If using fresh lemon, juice and measure 0.75 oz.

2. Muddle

In a cocktail shaker, place 3 fresh cucumber slices and 0.5 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle (2–4 presses) to release cucumber juice and aroma without pulverizing into mush.

3. Combine

Add 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 of an egg white (if using) to the shaker. Add a handful of ice (about 1 cup).

4. Dry Shake (if using egg white)

If you included egg white, first shake vigorously without ice for 10–15 seconds to emulsify and build foam.

5. Shake

Add ice (if you dry-shook) or proceed directly and shake the shaker vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled (metal shaker will frost).

6. Double Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass (use a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer) to remove cucumber solids and small ice shards, preserving a silky texture.

7. Top and Finish

Top the cocktail with about 1.5 oz club soda to add lift. If desired, add 1–2 drops (about 2 tsp) of Angostura bitters on the foam for aroma and a touch of color; gently swirl with a toothpick for a subtle pattern.

8. Garnish

Thread the cucumber ribbon onto a pick or lay it inside the glass, and add a lemon twist on the rim. Serve immediately.

9. Notes

Adjust sweetness with simple syrup to taste. If you prefer a lighter cocktail, reduce gin to 1.5 oz and increase soda to 2.5 oz. Use pasteurized liquid egg white if concerned about raw egg.