White Linen
The White Linen has origins that trace back to The Shady Lady Saloon in Sacramento, CA (coincidentally my old stomping grounds and my introduction to the cocktail). Mixologist and creator, Rene Dominguez, uses a combination of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and elderflower liqueur topped with soda to make a refreshing drink befitting sweltering summer days. Elderflower liqueur is light and fruity (not herbaceous as one might anticipate) and arguably the star ingredient; without it, the cocktail would simply lack the nuance and intrigue it brings. Like the Southeastside, cucumber slices are muddled in the shaker for additional freshness! To avoid unnecessary explosions, it is important to note that soda should be added directly to the glass and not into the shaker. This cocktail was designed to be served “tall” in a Collins glass with three cucumber slices amongst the ice cubes or clear ice spear. If “tall” is not your style, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using a double rocks glass, however it may simply change the way you approach the garnish of your cocktail. But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it for yourself!
White Linen
In your shaker, muddle the cucumber slices and then combine the simple syrup, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, and gin.
3 slices of Cucumber
0.5 oz of Simple Syrup
1 oz of Lemon Juice
0.5 oz of Elderflower Liqueur
1.5 oz of Gin
2 oz of Club Soda (to top)
Add ice to your shaker and shake until it develops a frost. Double-strain the contents (by pouring them from the shaker through a fine mesh strainer) into your Collins glass over ice and top with soda. Garnish with three cucumber slices.
