Southside Recipe

Today, we’re sharing a Prohibition-era cocktail that– like many drinks of that time– has had a recent resurgence in the new age of craft cocktails.

The Southside (sometimes written as South Side, for search engine purposes) is really as cool as it sounds: This classic drink, with its charming blend of fresh mint, citrus, and gin, is lively, smooth, and utterly captivating.

Originating from the speakeasies of the roaring twenties, the Southside has danced its way into the 21st century, proving that some flavors truly are timeless.

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History of the South Side Cocktail

The Southside cocktail, often linked to the Prohibition era’s speakeasies, carries a story as intriguing as its flavor. While its exact origins are somewhat hazy, one popular tale links the drink to the South Side of Chicago, where it was said to be the preferred beverage of 1920s gangsters. (Think Boardwalk Empire.)

These gangsters favored gin, a spirit that was readily available even during Prohibition, and the addition of fresh mint and lemon helped mask the often harsh flavors of the illicitly-produced alcohol.

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Another version of this classic cocktail’s origin story takes us to the elite country clubs of America’s East Coast, particularly the Southside Sportsmen’s Club in Long Island, New York. Here, it was supposedly a drink of choice for the well-to-do members who desired something refreshing and sophisticated.

Regardless of its true history, this cocktail has stood the test of time, evolving from a speakeasy secret to an absolute classic.

Plus it was rumored to be Al Capone’s beverage of choice. True? Who knows. Fun to imagine? Definitely.

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Southside Cocktail Ingredients

This bright cocktail fits inside the sour cocktail family and features a few key ingredients that create its distinctive taste. Fresh mint leaves add a herbal freshness that pairs well with the sharp, tangy flavor of lime juice, while the gin offers a smooth and botanical foundation. It’s basically a Gimlet but with muddled mint.

Together, these components create a refreshing, easy-to-make, and delicious drink. This gin mint cocktail is also kind of like a gin Mojito in some ways and is certainly loved for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes. Keep scrolling for a breakdown of ingredients.

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• Gin: Gin’s botanical flavors are the cornerstone of this drink. Its juniper-forward profile provides a crisp, herbal foundation.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Tangy and vibrant, fresh lime juice injects a zesty citrus punch, adding a brightness that balances the sweetness in the cocktail.
• Simple Syrup: Speaking of sweetness, this basic syrup made from equal parts sugar and water balances out the stronger flavors without overpowering the gin or lime.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Mint really brings out the cocktail’s refreshing and aromatic quality. When muddled, it releases oils, infusing the drink with a delightful earthiness and herby mint flavor that marries well with the other ingredients.

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How to Make the Southside Cocktail Recipe

A pretty straightforward cocktail to make, this drink only takes a little extra prep time to muddle the mint– especially if you pre-make the sugar syrup ahead of time.

See how Chris puts it all together– and make sure to watch the whole video for his variation, too:

Skip to the recipe.

Variations of the Southside Cocktail Recipe

This simple cocktail recipe is easy to play with, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors or spirits to customize the cocktail to your liking! Here are some of our favorite variations:

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• Elderflower Southside: Incorporate elderflower liqueur like St-Germain for a floral twist. Replace or split the simple syrup with this liqueur to add complexity and a delicate sweetness.
• Berry Southside: Add fresh berries– such as raspberries or blackberries– into the mix. Muddle the berries along with the mint to infuse the cocktail with fruity notes.
• Garden Southside: Build on the naturally herbaceous quality of the Southside by incorporating additional fresh herbs– Try basil, rosemary, or even cilantro alongside the mint (or instead of it), adding a different layer of herbal complexity to the original drink.
• Cucumber Southside: Incorporate slices of cucumber for an even more refreshing libation. Lightly muddle the cucumber slices with the mint before shaking with the other ingredients.
• Gin Variations: Why not experiment with different types of gin? Try a barrel-aged gin for a nuanced and slightly spicier Southside, or opt for a gin with unique flavor profile to tone down the juniper element.
• Spiced Southside: Infuse the simple syrup with spices like cloves, cinnamon, or star anise beforehand to add warm, aromatic undertones to the cocktail.
• Southside with Lemon Juice: Sometimes you’ll see this recipe made with fresh lemon juice instead of lime, so you can swap the citrus and see which one you prefer.

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Our Variation

Check out Chris & Rob’s big, rich variation with Bacanora– It has more complex layers of flavors compared to the bright, simple classic Southside (which is super delicious and easy to drink).

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ¾ ounce Bacanora
• ½ ounce Chareau Aloe Liqueur
• 1 ounce Lime Juice
• ½ ounce Simple Syrup
• 5-6 Mint Leaves
• ¼ ounce Absinthe

DIRECTIONS:

1. Lightly muddle the mint in the base of the shaker tin. 
2. Combine all remaining ingredients in the cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add ice to a coupe glass, and add the absinthe. Alternatively, rinse an already chilled glass with the absinthe. We recommend spraying the absinthe with an atomizer.
4. Shake the cocktail for about 10 seconds, dump the absinthe ice, and then double strain the cocktail into the glass.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

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A Classic Cocktail Recipe for the Ages

This is a super refreshing classic gin cocktail and so easy to tailor to your tastes – Julia, for example, loves her little sweeter, while Chris, Rob, and I prefer ours a little more tart with a rougher finish.

So how do you like this simple cocktail recipe? Let us know in the comments what you think and if you have a variation you love. Until next time… Cheers!

HARDWOOD MUDDLER

Your knuckles have been waiting for this. Finally a muddler long enough to muddle in your shaker tin (without busting your knuckles on the sides!) A full 12″ long and ergonomically shaped, this muddler is your trusty mint-mashing friend.