Sugarcane Gin and Citrus Smash
A refreshing cocktail combining Louisiana sugarcane gin with fresh citrus juices and a hint of mint for a bright, lively drink. This louisiana-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Louisiana sugarcane 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 160 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 Louisiana sugarcane gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 2 oz club soda
- as needed ice cubes
- 1, for garnish lemon wheel
- 1, for garnish mint sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 6 fresh mint leaves and 1/2 oz simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon for 20 seconds to release the oils, without tearing them too much.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz Louisiana sugarcane gin, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz fresh orange juice to the shaker. Fill with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 3: Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top the cocktail with 2 oz club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 lemon wheel and 1 sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately for a bright and refreshing citrus cocktail.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sugarcane Gin and Citrus Smash 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 Sugarcane Gin and Citrus Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover sugarcane gin and citrus smash 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 Sugarcane Gin and Citrus Smash?
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 Sugarcane Gin and Citrus Smash 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 Sugarcane Gin and Citrus Smash?
Louisiana 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.
