Coastal Citrus and Herb Cocktail with Mediterranean Small Plates
A refreshing citrus cocktail with fresh herbs, paired with a selection of Mediterranean-inspired small bites that highlight vibrant flavors. This mediterranean-inspired cocktails & drinks (mediterranean) ready in about 15 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice 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 280 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 oz club soda
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup, pitted kalamata olives
- 4 small rounds, toasted pita bread
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 4 fresh basil leaves and 2 fresh thyme sprigs gently to release aromas. Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Fill shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled.
- Step 2: Strain cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice, top with 2 oz club soda, and garnish with a sprig of thyme.
- Step 3: For the small plates, combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 4: Serve the cocktail alongside the tomato-feta-olive mixture with 4 toasted pita bread rounds for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coastal Citrus and Herb Cocktail with Mediterranean Small Plates take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Coastal Citrus and Herb Cocktail with Mediterranean Small Plates?
Refrigerate any leftover coastal citrus and herb cocktail with mediterranean small plates 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 Coastal Citrus and Herb Cocktail with Mediterranean Small Plates?
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 Coastal Citrus and Herb Cocktail with Mediterranean Small Plates for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Coastal Citrus and Herb Cocktail with Mediterranean Small Plates?
Mediterranean 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.
