Southside

Southside is a classic cocktail made with gin, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup. It is a refreshing and minty drink, perfect for summer sipping.

Southside recipe

• 60 ml London Dry gin
• 30 ml lemon juice
• 15 ml simple syrup
• 5-6 mint leaves
• few drops of egg white (Optional)

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shake well with ice, double-strain into chilled cocktail glass

Directions for how to make the Southside

1. Take a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice.
2. Add 60 ml London Dry gin to the shaker.
3. Pour 30 ml of lemon juice in.
4. Add 15 ml of simple syrup.
5. Put 5-6 mint leaves into the shaker.
6. Optionally add a few drops of egg white.
7. Shake the mixture well for at least 10-15 seconds.
8. Double-strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
9. Optionally garnish the drink with a sprig of mint.

Tips for how to make the perfect Southside

• Use fresh ingredients: The key to a perfect Southside drink is using fresh ingredients. Use fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and good quality gin.

• Don’t skimp on the mint: Mint is the star ingredient in a Southside drink, so don’t be afraid to use a lot of it. Muddle several sprigs of mint in the bottom of your cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients.

• Balance the sweet and sour: A great Southside drink is a balance between sweet and sour. Use simple syrup or sugar to sweeten the drink and fresh lime juice for the sour component.

• Shake, shake, shake: Make sure to shake the drink well to ensure that all the flavors are fully mixed and the drink is ice cold.

• Don’t forget the garnish: A sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge are classic garnishes for a Southside drink. Not only do they look great, but they also add extra flavor to the drink.

• Serve in a chilled glass: Serve the drink in a chilled glass to keep it cold and refreshing. A coupe or martini glass works well for a Southside drink.

Alcohol-free alternative to the Southside

An alcohol-free alternative to Southside is a beverage called “Virgin Southside”. This drink consists of fresh lime juice, simple syrup or honey, and mint leaves. It is a refreshing and citrusy drink that is perfect for those who want to enjoy the taste of Southside without the alcohol. To make the Virgin Southside, add fresh lime juice, simple syrup or honey, and mint leaves to a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy!

Southside fun facts

1. The Southside cocktail originated in Chicago during the Prohibition era, where it was popularized by notorious gangster Al Capone and his associates.
2. The classic recipe for a Southside includes gin, mint, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice, but variations may include other ingredients like cucumber or grapefruit.
3. The Southside was reportedly a favorite of American presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.
4. The cocktail’s name comes from the South Side neighborhood of Chicago, where it was first created and often served in local speakeasies.
5. Some bartenders suggest shaking a Southside vigorously before straining it into a glass to create a frothy, almost creamy texture.