Southside

• Gin
  60 ml (2 oz)

  A classic London Dry gin works best, but feel free to experiment.
• Fresh lemon juice
  25 ml (0.75 oz)

  About half a lemon.
• Fresh lime juice
  10 ml (0.25 oz)

  Optional, but adds extra brightness.
• Simple syrup
  25 ml (0.75 oz)

  1:1 sugar to water syrup, or adjust to taste.
• Fresh mint leaves
  8

  Plus extra for garnish.

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for extra smoothness)
• Jigger
• Muddler

1. 1

   Add mint leaves and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle to release the mint oils—don’t overdo it or it will taste grassy.

2. 2

   Add the gin, lemon juice, and lime juice to the shaker.

3. 3

   Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.

4. 4

   Double strain into a chilled coupe glass (or over fresh ice in a rocks glass) to remove mint bits.

5. 5

   Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

• Bright, refreshing flavors perfect for warm weather.
• Easy to make with simple, classic ingredients.
• Mint brings a unique, cooling twist to a gin sour template.
• Balanced, not too sweet or tart—great for gin newcomers.
• Versatile—can be served up, on the rocks, or as a highball (Southside Fizz).

The Southside’s origins are somewhat mysterious, but most cocktail historians trace it back to the early 20th century, with rumored roots in the Prohibition era. The drink is famously associated with Chicago’s South Side, allegedly favored by members of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club and even the notorious Chicago mobsters who enjoyed a splash of mint to mellow out their rough gin. Over the years, the Southside has maintained its reputation as an effortlessly chic and refreshing cocktail, beloved in country clubs and speakeasies alike.