Some say the Southside cocktail, made with gin, citrus, simple syrup, and mint, originated during the prohibition era, while others claim it was created in New York City at the 21 Club. Wherever it may have started, we’re happy it’s here and excited to add it to our ever-growing list of cocktail recipes. Our variation calls for lime for the citrus (other Southside cocktail recipes may call for lemon). I also love a few drops of aromatic bitters, but they are totally optional! For another gin cocktail, see our rosemary gin fizz!
Key Ingredients
Gin: I recommend using a mid-to-high shelf gin. London dry gin (like Beefeater) has a clean flavor, while Plymouth gin is more aromatic. Choose one that suits your taste. If you enjoy more herbal gins like Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray, feel free to use it! Fresh Mint: You’ll shake the mint leaves with gin and ice, which releases their aromatic oils into the cocktail. This is similar to making a mojito, but we strain out the mint leaves for a cleaner look for the Southside cocktail. Simple Syrup: This balances the gin’s flavor. Here’s our homemade simple syrup recipe. Powdered sugar is a good substitute (and what we use for our gin fizz recipe). Lime or Lemon Juice: I love fresh lime juice, but lemon is classic and still very delicious.
6 fresh mint leaves, plus more for serving 3/4 ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) simple syrup 3/4 ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) fresh lime juice 3 drops Angostura cocktail bitters, optional 2Strain into a glass with a few ice cubes. Garnish with more mint.
