Southside

The Southside is a delightfully simple yet elegant cocktail that expertly combines the botanical notes of gin with the zesty tartness of fresh lime juice and the cooling aroma of mint. Often described as a gin-based cousin to the Mojito, it is shaken, not muddled, resulting in a smoother, more integrated flavor profile. Served straight up in a chilled coupe glass, it is the epitome of a sophisticated and refreshing warm-weather drink.
Southside

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Southside is firmly categorized as a classic cocktail, belonging to the "sour" family of drinks. It is often considered an aperitif due to its refreshing and palate-cleansing nature. It stands as a timeless gin-based recipe from the Prohibition era.

Serving

The Southside is a relatively small cocktail served "up" (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It has a moderate alcohol content, making it a perfectly balanced sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 22-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The origin of the Southside is debated, with two popular theories pointing to the Prohibition era in the United States. One story attributes it to the Southside gang in Chicago, led by Al Capone, who used mint and citrus to mask the harsh taste of bathtub gin. Another theory links it to the affluent Southside Sportsmen's Club on Long Island, New York, where it was a favored refreshment among the elite.
Origin
United States, Prohibition Era (circa 1920s).

Southside

The drink is consistently known as the Southside, with the most common variation being the two-word spelling, "South Side". It is sometimes generically referred to as a "Southside Cocktail" on menus to distinguish it from other drinks or locations.
Original name
Southside
Alternative names
  • South Side
  • Southside Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a vibrant aroma of fresh mint and lime, leading to a crisp, citrus-forward flavor balanced by gin botanicals. Its smooth texture and clean, herbal aftertaste make it an exceptionally refreshing and summery drink.
Flavor
Minty, citrusy, botanical, refreshing, crisp, tart
Aroma
Fresh mint, lime zest, juniper
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, herbal, zesty, short
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale green, slightly cloudy
Texture
Smooth, crisp, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by a pleasant sourness from the lime, with a moderate sweetness to provide balance. The alcohol strength is present but not overpowering, and the overall taste is intensely refreshing and fruit-forward.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To create a Southside, you will need a quality London Dry Gin as the base, complemented by freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, and a handful of fresh mint leaves.
  • London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A classic London Dry style gin with prominent juniper notes works best.
  • Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust quantity to taste.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves6-8 leaves
    Spearmint is the classic choice. Ensure they are fresh and vibrant.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and both a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer for a clean, professional pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice.
  • Fine mesh strainer to catch small mint particles.

Instructions

The process involves shaking gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves with ice. The key to a perfect Southside is to double strain it into a pre-chilled coupe glass for a smooth texture.
1. Place your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Add the mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker.
3. Add the gin to the shaker, then fill it with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a single fresh mint leaf floated on top or a mint sprig on the rim.

Garnishing

A simple garnish is best for the Southside. Float a single, perfect mint leaf on the foam or place a fresh mint sprig on the glass rim for an aromatic touch.
  • Single mint leaf, floated on the surface of the drink.
  • Mint sprig, gently clapped between the hands to release its aroma and placed on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, and is typically gluten-free as long as a purely distilled gin is used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving of a Southside contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the gin and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes almost entirely from the simple syrup and a small amount from the lime juice.
Calories
Approximately 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail's crisp and invigorating character makes it ideal for summer parties, garden gatherings, and outdoor events. It serves wonderfully as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the appetite or as a stylish choice for any cocktail hour.
  • Summer party
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail hour
  • Brunch

Pairing suggestions

The Southside's crisp, citrusy profile pairs beautifully with light and fresh foods. It complements the brininess of seafood, cuts through the richness of creamy cheeses like goat cheese, and stands up well to spicy appetizers by providing a cooling counterpoint.
  • Light seafood like oysters or shrimp cocktail
  • Goat cheese and herb crackers
  • Fresh salads with vinaigrette dressing
  • Spicy appetizers

The Southside: A Crisp and Timeless Gin Classic

The Southside is a timeless classic that showcases the elegant interplay of gin, lime, and mint. Its debated Prohibition-era origins add a layer of historical intrigue to this impeccably balanced and refreshing cocktail. Simple to make yet sophisticated in taste, it's a versatile drink suitable for a sunny afternoon, a classy cocktail party, or as a vibrant start to an evening. The key to its success lies in using fresh ingredients, ensuring it's shaken cold, and double straining for a flawless, smooth finish.

Similar cocktails

Mojito

Uses rum instead of gin, is typically built in the glass by muddling mint with sugar, and is topped with soda water.

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