19 Jun Southside – A crisp mint cocktail
The Southside cocktail is one of the freshest classic gin cocktails you can make. Built with gin, fresh lime juice, mint, and sugar, it combines the crisp botanicals of a gin sour with the cooling freshness of mint.
Often described as a minty cousin to the Gimlet or Mojito, the cocktail has remained popular for decades because of its clean and refreshing profile. It is simple, balanced, and incredibly easy to drink.
Some versions of the cocktail are served straight up in a chilled cocktail glass, while others are topped with soda water to create the Southside Fizz cocktail variation.
Whether you are looking for the best Southside recipe for summer or simply want to explore another timeless gin classic, this recipe delivers a bright and refreshing drink that works for almost any occasion.
What is a Southside cocktail?
A Southside is a classic gin cocktail made with gin, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and sugar or simple syrup. The drink is shaken with ice and traditionally served straight up in a chilled cocktail glass.
The cocktail is known for its refreshing flavor profile that balances citrus, sweetness, herbal mint freshness, and botanical gin notes.
The Southside gin cocktail is sometimes compared to a Mojito without soda water or rum. However, the Southside has a cleaner and more spirit forward character thanks to the gin base.
The history of the Southside
The exact origin of the cocktail is debated. One popular story links the drink to Chicago’s South Side during Prohibition, while another connects it to the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island.
Regardless of its true origin, the cocktail became a well known classic because of its refreshing and approachable style. It has since earned a permanent place among classic gin cocktails and modern cocktail bars around the world.
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Choosing the ingredients
Gin:
Gin is the foundation of the cocktail, so choosing the right bottle makes a big difference. We are using Bombay Sapphire for this recipe because its bright botanical profile works perfectly with fresh mint and lime.
Bombay Sapphire brings light citrus notes, balanced juniper, and subtle herbal flavors that keep the cocktail refreshing and crisp without overpowering the drink.
Lime Juice:
Fresh lime juice is essential for any proper cocktail. Bottled lime juice lacks the brightness and acidity needed to balance the gin and sugar.
Always squeeze the lime fresh right before making the cocktail for the cleanest flavor.
Simple Syrup:
We recommend always using homemade syrups.
Mint:
Fresh mint gives the cocktail its signature freshness. Use vibrant mint leaves without dark spots or bruising.
When shaking the cocktail, gently press the mint to release the oils without overworking it, as too much muddling can create bitter flavors.
Garnish
Garnish with a single mint leaf.
Southside cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill your cocktail glass with ice or place it in a freezer. Remove the ice from the glass before serving
- Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup and mint leaves to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 8-12 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a mint leaf and serve.
What to Remember
- Keep it simple - Use fresh ingredients and quality spirits. Nothing more is needed.
Use fresh mint -Fresh mint is essential for the clean and refreshing character of the cocktail. Avoid bruised or old mint leaves.
- Chill the cocktail glass - A cocktail served without ice warms quickly. A chilled glass keeps the cocktail crisp and refreshing.
Shake properly - A solid shake properly chills and dilutes the cocktail while integrating the mint, lime, and gin.
FAQ
- What glass should I use for serving? - Serve the Southside in a chilled cocktail glass. It's always served straight up, without ice.
- What is a Southside cocktail? - A Southside cocktail is a classic gin cocktail made with gin, fresh lime juice, mint, and simple syrup. It is shaken with ice and served straight up.
- What is the difference between a Southside and a Southside Fizz cocktail? - A Southside Fizz is topped with soda water, creating a lighter and sparkling variation of the classic Southside cocktail.
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Carl-Ditlev is a bartender and co-founder of EOW Magazine, dedicated to keeping cocktails simple with quality spirits, fresh juice, and homemade syrups.
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