A South Side Cocktail is a refreshing gin drink that is full of mint and citrus flavors. If you love mojitos, then this will be your new favorite cocktail!
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A Southside Cocktail Recipe
A South Side cocktail is a cool, crisp, and fresh gin-based drink that is similar to a Mojito or Gimlet. It is made with fresh mint and lime juice along with gin and some simple syrup for sweetness.
A Southside Cocktail is a classic drink that has been around for years. The oldest known recipe for a “Southside” was from 1917. And this drink is part of the list of the International Bartender Association’s official cocktails.
How this cocktail got its interesting name is a debated topic. Some say the name came from the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island. Others like to think it refers to the South Side of Chicago where it may have been a favorite of Al Capone, whose gang dominated that area!
This iconic cocktail is a delicious drink of choice for the summertime and makes a perfect cocktail hour drink. It is easy to make and trust me, you will want to keep on making them!
Love refreshing gin cocktails? Check out our CUCUMBER GIN & TONIC COCKTAIL recipe or our PINEAPPLE, GIN, & GINGER BEER COCKTAIL!
What is in a South Side Cocktail?
As a South Side cocktail is on the list of the International Bartender Association’s Cocktails, it has an official definition and ingredients. So to make a traditional Southside cocktail you will need:
- Gin. The flavor of the gin really shines in this drink so choose a good quality gin that you enjoy drinking.
- Lime juice. Fresh is always best when it comes to adding squeezed citrus juice to cocktails. This drink doesn't have a lot of ingredients so it is worth using the best of each kind.
- Mint. Fresh mint leaves are gently muddled to make this drink and are a key component of this cocktail.
- Simple syrup. This adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the cocktail perfectly. You could also use maple syrup or agave syrup instead if preferred. And feel free to adjust the amount you add according to your personal preference.
- Ice cubes. This keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
A Smacked Mint Garnish
The classic garnish for a South Side Cocktail is a small sprig of fresh mint. But we recommend first smacking your mint before adding it to your drink.
By giving the mint leaves a gentle tap, you will release more of the essential oils in the mint which gives more flavor to the drink. So give your mint a gentle clap between your hands first to make the most of your garnish!
If you love mojitos, you have to check out our EASY MANGO MOJITO RECIPE! It is a delicious, fruity twist on a classic cocktail.
How to make a South Side Cocktail
This cocktail recipe is quick and easy to make. It doesn't require any fancy equipment or cocktail-making skills. To make this delicious drink, follow the simple step-by-step instructions below or find a full, detailed recipe at the end of this post.
STEP ONE
Add the mint leaves and lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
STEP TWO
Gently muddle the mint a few times to release its juices.
STEP THREE
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and add in the gin and simple syrup. Shake for about 30 - 60 seconds.
STEP FOUR
Strain into a serving cocktail glass. Gently smack the mint garnish and place it on top before enjoying it immediately.
Choosing Your Gin
The quality of the gin will greatly affect the taste of your cocktail. Different gins all have different flavor undertones and you'll definitely like some more than others.
Different Types of Gin
- London Dry Gin - With a strong juniper taste this type of gin is definitely the most popular type of gin.
- Plymouth Gin - This gin is even dryer than London Dry Gin and has a slightly spicier flavor.
- Old Tom Gin - With added licorice, this type of gin is slightly sweeter than your other kinds of gins.
- Genever Gin - This is the original type of gin that comes from The Netherlands. It is sweet and aromatic and is often used in classic cocktails.
South Side Cocktail Variations
MOCKTAIL VERSION
To turn this South Side Cocktail into a non-alcoholic mocktail, simply replace the 2 ounces of gin in the recipe with your favorite alcohol-free gin. The drink will still be full of flavor and delicious.
SOUTHSIDE FIZZ
This variation involves topping the drink with soda water. This makes the cocktail extra refreshing and bubbly. Adding soda water also waters down the alcohol a bit which makes it a great daytime drink option.
SAKE SOUTHSIDE COCKTAIL
A tasty, Japanese spin on a classic cocktail! To make this variation, replace the traditional gin with sake (Japanese rice liquor). This makes for a unique and flavorful drink!
SOUTHSIDE ROYALE
This is a bubbly, sparkling champagne version of the classic cocktail. The drink is topped with champagne or sparkling wine before serving.
South Side Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 cocktail serving glass
- 1 muddler (or back of wooden spoon)
Ingredients
- 5 - 8 sprigs fresh mint (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounce gin
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the mint leaves and lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Gently muddle the mint a few times to release its juices.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and add in the gin and simple syrup. Shake for about 30 - 60 seconds.
- Strain into a serving cocktail glass. Gently smack the mint garnish and place it on top before enjoying it immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you love this South Side Cocktail recipe as much as I do! And if you want to see more of my food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
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