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This fresh remix brings the soul, the shake and just the right amount of fruit to the classic Eastside.
About the cocktail
Like the sound of sipping on a “rainforest of refreshment and happiness”? Yeah, us too. Well, in good news, that’s exactly how Judith Zhu describes her latest creation. The cocktail star has put her signature spin on the classic Eastside cocktail and – spoiler alert – it’s just as fun, fresh and fabulous as you’d hope it to be. If you haven’t seen our first cocktail collab with the fabulous Judith, here’s a little refresher on her Cherry Espresso Rumtini. A rising star in Sydney’s cocktail scene, Judith cut her teeth behind the bar at Door Knock, and these days you’ll find her shaking things up at Little Cooler – one of Sydney’s newest and coolest “dive” bars. In the past year, she landed a spot in the World Class Top 50, cracked the Drinks World Top 25 Bartenders and took out the top prize in the 1883 Syrups Drink Design Contest. Pretty darn impressive. When she’s not keeping things ice-cold at Little Cooler, Judith’s eating her way around Sydney, often teaming up with local legends and small biz owners along the way. “I have immense respect for small business owners and their dedication to their craft,” explains Judith. “Being able to contribute to their concepts by creating cocktails that highlight their specialties is incredibly fulfilling for me.” Cocktails like – drumroll please – her Apple Strawberry Eastside. Drawing inspo from the tradish Eastside’s gin, cucumber, lime and mint, Judith switches it up with the addition of apple and strawberry puree. “It’s the dreamy strawberry-apple combination that takes it to another level,” explains Judith. “It’s like the classic got a flavour upgrade that you never knew you needed. Seriously, it’s made of dreams!” Consider us sold. Just like Judith promised, it’s like sipping on a rainforest (we imagine) – bright, light and super fragrant, with the perfect sweet-sour balance (sans the trees, dirt and lizards). Think of it as the Hozier of cocktails, says Judith – “soulful, refreshing, with depth and a voice that soothes the soul.”
Watch: How to make the Apple Strawberry Eastside
Ingredients
60mL gin 15mL apple strawberry puree Bar spoon of honey 30mL lime Handful of mint (about one big sprig) Two slices of cucumber Glass: tumbler Garnish: Extra mint leaves and cucumber slices
Method
Pop your glass into the freezer to chill for 20 minutes Add the gin, puree and honey to your shaker and give it a stir to mix it together Add the lime juice, mint and cucumber, and then fill the shaker to the top with ice Shake the mix vigorously until the tin is chilled and frosty Double strain the mix into your chilled glass and garnish with the extra mint leaves and cucumber slices
Dan’s top tips
First things first: go fresh or go home. That means squeezing your own lime juice and using crisp cucumber and vibrant mint – none of that sad, wilted stuff. Trust us, it makes all the difference. Now for the shake. Don’t hold back. Toss everything into a cocktail shaker with ice and give it a solid, confident shake. You’re aiming for a drink that’s properly chilled and perfectly mixed – no half-hearted wrist flicks here. Not a gin fan? Not into apple strawberry puree? No stress. Judith’s all about making this cocktail your own. “You could use any puree instead for a flavour twist,” says Judith. “And while gin is my preference, you could substitute vodka, tequila or white rum – just stick with white spirits to maintain that fresh, clean profile.” If you do decide to experiment, Judith has an important tip. “Always taste your cocktails before serving to achieve that optimal yum factor. Adjusting to your personal preference is what makes home bartending so rewarding.” And finally, remember to double strain the mix into a frosty glass – using the strainer on your shaker, pour through a fine strainer into your glass. Necessary? Yep, it will keep the texture smooth and the mixture cold, with no rogue bits of mint crashing the party. Speaking of parties, what are we listening to while shaking up this cocktail? For Judith, it’s got to be ‘Only You’ by The Platters.
