Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe LivelyEast Side Recipe

East Side Recipe

Inspired by The Lively
Time10m
Serves1

Gin, Cucumber, Mint, Lime

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Ingredients

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Cocktail

Method

Cocktail

  1. 1

    Prep

    If not already sliced, cut 3 thin slices from a small cucumber. Reserve one extra thin slice or make a long ribbon for garnish. Juice fresh limes to yield 0.75 oz (about half a medium lime). Have simple syrup and chilled club soda ready.

  2. 2

    Muddle

    In a cocktail shaker, place the 3 cucumber slices and 8 fresh mint leaves. Add the 0.5 oz simple syrup and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice. Gently muddle 6–8 times — press to release cucumber juice and mint oils without pulverizing the mint (avoid shredding).

  3. 3

    Build & Shake

    Add 2 oz gin to the shaker with the muddled cucumber and mint. Fill the shaker with ice (about 1 cup). Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch and slightly frosted.

  4. 4

    Double Strain

    Double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or a rocks glass filled with fresh ice (to keep it crisp) using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove small bits of mint and cucumber.

  5. 5

    Finish

    Top the drink with 1.5 oz chilled club soda to add a light effervescence. Gently stir once with a bar spoon to integrate.

  6. 6

    Garnish

    Express a mint sprig over the drink to release aromatics, then place it on the surface. Add the cucumber ribbon or wheel on the rim or floated on top.

  7. 7

    Serve

    Serve immediately. Recommend serving with a short straw or without so the fresh cucumber and mint aroma is prominent.

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