This Southside cocktail is a tasty and sophisticated drink with a gin base, mint leaves, and citrus juice for a refreshing flavor. It is a great option if you want to impress guests or relax after a long day.
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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.
I like gin cocktails, and I’ve been exploring a few of the classics, like the Bee’s Knees cocktail and the Pink Lady. So once I stumbled on the Southside on a restaurant menu, I had to try it. The combination of flavors immediately hooked me, and I appreciated how well they complemented each other. It’s now one of my go-to cocktails, and I love making it at home for friends and family.
But what makes the Southside stand out? The key is in its simplicity. With only a few ingredients, this cocktail allows the flavors to shine. You’ll like this one if you’re a fan of mint and a light and refreshing drink.
The classic Southside cocktail uses lemon juice, which I included in this recipe. However, you can also substitute lime juice, which I often do, for a tangier and slightly sweeter taste.
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Adds a cool, fresh flavor.
- Gin: The main alcohol, with a hint of herbs.
- Lemon or Lime Juice: Brings a tart, citrusy taste.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the drink.
Tools Needed
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler or spoon for mashing mint leaves
- Martini glass or coupe glass
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker, add 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves and gently muddle them to release the oils.
Add gin, lemon or lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint if desired.
Tanya’s Top Tips for Making the Perfect Southside Cocktail
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the mint leaves and citrus juice can make all the difference. Always opt for fresh mint and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to get the best flavors.
- Quality of Gin: Because the Southside is a gin-forward cocktail, the type of gin you use will greatly influence the taste. Go for a high-quality gin with botanical notes that complement the mint and citrus. I tend to use Bombay Sapphire.
- Muddling Technique: Gently muddle the mint leaves to release their oils without tearing them into small pieces. This will give your cocktail a fresh minty aroma without any bitterness.
- Proper Shaking: Shake the cocktail well, like using some force, to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and chilled. Once you pour the cocktail, you’ll notice a few bits of mint go through the strainer. That’s exactly what you want; it’s delish!
- Glass Choice: Serve your Southside in a martini or coupe glass for a classic touch. Chilling the glass beforehand will keep your cocktail colder for longer.
- Add a mint sprig to your drink for a beautiful look and a stronger mint smell while you sip.
Common Questions About the Southside Cocktail
Any high-quality gin will work. I usually grab Bombay Sapphire, but I’ve also used Indoggo Strawberry Gin, which was delicious.
I don’t recommend using dried mint in this drink.
Both lemon and lime juice work well in a Southside cocktail. Lemon juice provides a more classic and balanced tartness, while lime juice offers a tangier and slightly sweeter taste. Feel free to experiment with both to see which you prefer!
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic Southside, you can replace the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or a mix of club soda and tonic water. The essential elements are the mint, citrus, and simple syrup, which will still impart a delightful, refreshing taste.
The Southside cocktail’s origins are somewhat murky, but it is believed to have gained popularity during the Prohibition era. Some legends suggest it was a favorite among gangsters in Chicago’s South Side. Others trace it back to the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island. Regardless of its history, its enduring appeal lies in its refreshing simplicity and balanced flavors.
If you have tried this Southside cocktail recipe or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Southside Cocktail
Ingredients
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice or lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup or to taste
Instructions
- Gently muddle the mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your desired sweetness.
- For a fun twist, try using flavored gin, such as strawberry or elderflower.
- Feel free to substitute vodka for gin in this recipe.