Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe LivelyCocktails & More Recipe

Cocktails & More Recipe

Inspired by The Lively
Time40m
Serves6

Make Cocktails & More Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Citrus Gin Cocktail (Garden Gimlet)

Method

Citrus Gin Cocktail (Garden Gimlet)

  1. 1

    Muddle basil

    Place 6 fresh basil leaves into a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle for 5–8 seconds to release aroma and oils—avoid pulverizing to prevent bitterness.

  2. 2

    Combine liquids

    Add 2 oz London dry gin, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, and 0.5 egg white (if using) into the shaker.

  3. 3

    Dry shake

    Seal the shaker and shake vigorously (no ice) for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and chill slightly; this builds a silky foam.

  4. 4

    Wet shake

    Add 6 ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and well diluted.

  5. 5

    Fine strain and serve

    Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. This removes basil bits and small ice shards.

  6. 6

    Garnish

    Express a grapefruit twist over the drink to spray oils, then drop it on the rim. Serve immediately.

Spiced Dark Rum Mule

  1. 7

    Build the mule

    Fill a copper mug or highball glass with 1 cup of ice. Add 2 oz dark aged rum and 0.5 oz fresh lime juice.

  2. 8

    Add spice and bitters

    Stir in 0.25 tsp allspice dram (or a dash of allspice bitters) and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Stir gently once to combine.

  3. 9

    Top with ginger beer

    Pour 4 oz chilled ginger beer over the top and give a gentle stir to integrate without flattening the fizz.

  4. 10

    Garnish

    Garnish with a lime wheel and, if desired, a piece of crystallized ginger on a pick. Serve with a straw.

Citrus Soda Spritz (Zero-proof)

  1. 11

    Muddle cucumber

    In a shaker, add 0.25 cup peeled cucumber slices and 0.5 oz honey syrup. Gently muddle until cucumber releases juice (about 10 seconds).

  2. 12

    Add citrus

    Add 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice and 0.5 oz fresh orange juice to the shaker.

  3. 13

    Shake with ice

    Add 1 cup of ice and shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds to chill and slightly dilute.

  4. 14

    Strain and build

    Double-strain into an ice-filled Collins glass or tall glass to remove pulp and cucumber solids.

  5. 15

    Top and garnish

    Top with 3 oz chilled club soda, stir gently, and garnish with a mint sprig. Serve immediately.

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