Arak Citrus Highball with Lemon and Mint
A crisp and aromatic cocktail blending the anise-flavored spirit arak with fresh lemon juice and mint, served over ice in a tall glass. This middle eastern-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together arak, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz arak
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves mint leaves
- 1 cup ice cubes
- for garnish lemon wheel
- for garnish mint sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz arak, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup, and 6 mint leaves. Lightly muddle the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their aroma.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup ice cubes to the shaker, then shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 4: Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh mint to enhance the drink's fragrance and appeal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Arak Citrus Highball with Lemon and Mint take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Arak Citrus Highball with Lemon and Mint?
Refrigerate any leftover arak citrus highball with lemon and mint in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Arak Citrus Highball with Lemon and Mint?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Arak Citrus Highball with Lemon and Mint for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Arak Citrus Highball with Lemon and Mint?
Middle Eastern cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
