Like most old cocktail recipes, this one’s origin is contested. Some say it came from the South Side district of Chicago and others claim it hails from the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island.

Regardless, this cocktail was rumored to be Al Capone’s beverage of choice. True? Who knows. Delicious? Oh yes!

Skip to the recipe:

How to Make A Southside

It’s springtime, and a few weeks ago we (ahem, Chris) built some planter boxes in the backyard and planted a whole bunch of things. I had very little input (I have a black thumb) but I did beg him to include a big ol’ mint plant in the mix. (It didn’t take much persuading!)

It’s now a few weeks later and the plant is still looking a bit… well, sad. But with sunshine overhead I just couldn’t bear to wait any longer for something fresh and muddled. Chris was happy to oblige, and that’s how I ended up enjoying a delicious Southside cocktail!

This is a great cocktail that’s as refreshing as it is classic. I love that it’s so easy to tailor to your tastes – I like mine a little sweeter, Chris prefers his a little more tart. (This recipe is his – I bump up the simple by ¼ oz for me. #sweettooth)

If you’re starting to see a bit of sunshine overhead and some green on your mint plant, consider this bright and lemony classic. It tastes like summer, even in early spring!

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.

Southside

As bright and refreshing as it is classic, the South Side is the perfect cocktail to put our brand new mint plant to the test!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin George Benham’s Sonoma Dry Gin
  • 3/4 oz Lemon Juice
  • 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
  • 10 leaves Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

  • Add mint leaves to smaller shaker tin, and muddle.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and ice.
  • Shake well.
  • Double strain into a cocktail glass.