The Southside cocktail is a simple combination of gin, lime, mint and simple syrup that had its origins during Prohibition.
The Southside Cocktail – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
While its exact history is a little on the dubious side, some have attributed it to the time Chicago was split into North and South. The former had the higher end spirits leaving their Southern counterpart with poorer quality booze so they used citrus, sugar and mint to cover up the harsh taste of their gin. Others claim it was created in New York city at the 21 Club where it became the signature drink. Regardless of its origins, the Southside cocktail is simple enough to add to your cocktails at home repertoire.
The Southside is a classic gin sour, like a gimlet with mint or a gin mojito or a gin daiquiri. The combination of gin and mint plays well together and makes a most refreshing drink during the warmer months. The drink is shaken with ice and double strained into a coupette.
You can also make a Southside Fizz from the same recipe by double straining into a Collins glass and topping with soda water.
The Southside Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 45 ml gin
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 20 ml simple syrup
- 5 mint leaves
Glassware: coupette
Garnish: one mint leaf
Method
In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, lime juice, simple syrup and mint sprig. Add ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a chilled coupette. Smack the mint to release the oils and garnish with one mint leaf floated on top of the drink.
Photo by Cocktails & Bars – © Copyright: All rights reserved.
