Citrus-Mint Hotel Welcome
A crisp, invigorating cocktail blending fresh mint and citrus, evoking the fresh start of a hotel getaway morning. This cocktails & beverages-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 vodka
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- 8 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 1 piece lime wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, gently muddle 8 fresh mint leaves with 1/2 oz simple syrup to release the mint oils.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes, then add 2 oz vodka and 1 oz fresh lime juice.
- Step 3: Stir gently for 30 seconds with a bar spoon to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir once lightly to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh mint, lightly slapped to release aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Mint Hotel Welcome take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Mint Hotel Welcome?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vodka from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Mint Hotel Welcome?
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 Hotel Welcome 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 Hotel Welcome?
Cocktails & Beverages 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.
