Gotham Steakhouse's Summer Social cocktail

Sip on something simple and refreshing this summer

Image for Gotham Steakhouse's Summer Social cocktail
photo by Steph Wan.

Summer always call for a delicious backyard beverage. This spin on Gin Smash by Vancouver's Gotham Steakhouse uses rhubarb to make a flavourful simple syrup–which you can also use for many other things–and fresh strawberries for a summery hue and brightness.

If you are having a few folks over, this cocktail multiplies easily, so feel free to make a big batch and just it ladle out for guests over ice before topping with soda.

Summer Social cocktail

3 fresh strawberries, plus more for garnish
3 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
2 oz. Bombay Sapphire gin
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 oz. Rhubarb Syrup, recipe below
soda water, enough to top

Muddle strawberries and mint in Boston shaker.

Add all other ingredients over ice except soda water. Cover and hard shake to a count of ten.

Strain over new ice filled double rocks glass and top with soda water.

Garnish with fresh mint, one strawberry and serve.

Rhubarb simple syrup

4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
4 cups water
2 cups cane sugar

In a large pot, add water, cubed rhubarb and 2 cups of sugar, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir gently until sugar is dissolved and rhubarb is bright red, about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool. Double strain mixture into clean container.

Keep in the fridge and use as desired. Will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Yield:
1 cocktail
Prep Time:
2 minutes