The South Side cocktail is a deliciously simple combination of citrus, mint, and gin. Easy to make and even easier to drink, think of this as your gin mojito — perfect to cool down with on a warm summer day. Some makers call for lemon juice, but don’t be led astray — lime is the one and only citrus to pair with the South Side. This is a sophisticated, worldly, and timeless drink to know.
Bar Tools
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Shaker
- Muddler
- Strainer
To Serve: in a Coupe glass.
Ingredients (One Serving)
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 6-8 mint leaves
- Ice
Garnish with mint sprig or leaf.
How to Make
- Put fresh mint and simple syrup at the base of the shaker and gently muddle.
- Add lime juice.
- Add gin.
- Add ice.
- Shake vigorously.
- Double-strain into coupe glass (be wary of mint bits getting stuck in your teeth!).
- Garnish with mint sprig.
Nutritional Facts and ABV
-
- ABV (alcohol by volume): 20.81%
- Calories: 183 calories
History
The South Side seems to have garnered a “choose your own adventure” to its story. An unlikely though romantic version postulates that gangs like Al Capone’s in Chicago smuggled gin to the “south side” during prohibition and to make it palatable, mixed it with sugar, water, and lime juice.
The most traceable history is in Hugo Enslinn’s book Recipe for Mixed Drinks (1916), which contains a version of this recipe that adds club soda, nick-naming it the “South Side Fizz”. Another version of the story gives credit to 21 Club in New York which is known for making a clean South Side, but since this bar didn’t open until 1922, this belief is more likely by virtue of association than actual origin.
FAQ
What kind of gin should I use for a South Side cocktail?
A London Dry gin, like Botanist or Beefeater, pairs well as it allows for the mint and syrup and citrus to really soak.
How does a South Side differ from a Mint Julep?
A Mint Julep uses bourbon instead of gin and often keeps shaved ice in the drink.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
A non-alcoholic version would require non-alcoholic gin like Lyre’s Dry London Spirit.
