Brine & Shine: a cocktail recipe featuring Astraea Gin & Suze

The Brine & Shine cocktail captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest coastline in a glass—fresh, briny, and brilliantly herbal. It starts with Astraea Ocean Gin, a spirit inspired directly by the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. From the first sip, its unmistakable oceanic character comes through, offering clean, saline notes and a subtle hint of sea spray.

On the palate, Astraea Ocean Gin delivers an expansive mouthfeel, carrying waves of juniper, gentle warmth from cassia, and a whisper of salt on the finish. This uniquely marine-inspired profile makes it the ideal companion to Suze, a classic French apéritif infused with gentian root, known for its earthy bitterness and citrus undertones. Together, they create nuance and balance—each enhancing the other’s complexity.

Fresh lemon juice brightens the cocktail, cutting through the savory elements with vibrant acidity, while the luxury of honey syrup adds a soft sweetness that rounds out the edges without overshadowing the gin's distinct flavor. Finally, an expressed grapefruit peel garnish delivers a burst of aromatic citrus oils, heightening the drink’s refreshing nature.

Brine & Shine is crisp, herbal, and elegantly bitter. This cocktail refreshes like a cool breeze coming in from the sea. It's a drink that evokes the pristine clarity and natural beauty of the coastal Pacific—perfect for slow sipping and savoring its unique blend of brine, botanicals, and citrus freshness.

Recipe and image courtesy of Katie Slonim, @mixoindy.