Citrus Mint Crew Cooler
A refreshing and invigorating cocktail featuring zesty citrus and fresh mint, perfect for unwinding after an active day. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 8 minutes brings together gin, 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 180 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 gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 8 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 8 fresh mint leaves and 3/4 oz simple syrup into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release the mint oils.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the shaker, then fill it with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain into a tall highball glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine.
- Step 6: Slap a sprig of mint between your hands to release aroma and place it as garnish on top.
- Step 7: Optionally, express a thin lemon peel over the glass rim, twist, and rest it on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Mint Crew Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Citrus Mint Crew Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus mint crew cooler 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 Citrus Mint Crew Cooler?
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 Citrus Mint Crew Cooler 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 Citrus Mint Crew Cooler?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
