Name: Southside Cocktail
Total time: 2 minutes
Yield: Makes 1 drink
Ingredients: 2 oz. (60 ml) gin; 1 oz. (30 ml) fresh lime juice; ¾ oz. (22 ml) simple syrup (1:1, see headnote); 8–10 fresh mint leaves; 2 dashes Angostura bitters (optional); Mint leaf, to garnish

Bright yellowgreen gin cocktail in a coupe garnished with a mint leaf

Photo by Andy Sewell

Many unconfirmed reports of this cocktail’s creation exist. Some believe it came from Chicago’s South Side during Prohibition; others think that it comes from the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island. Manhattan’s 21 Club also claims it as its own creation. There, they serve it long in a Collins glass over ice with a mint spring for garnish.

For the simple syrup, combine equal parts hot water and sugar in a resealable, airtight container and shake until all of the sugar dissolves. Refrigerated syrup keeps for 1 to 2 weeks.

Recipe information

Total Time
2 minutes
Yield
Makes 1 drink

Ingredients

2 oz. (60 ml) gin

1 oz. (30 ml) fresh lime juice

¾ oz. (22 ml) simple syrup (1:1, see headnote)

8–10 fresh mint leaves

2 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)

Mint leaf, to garnish

Preparation

Step 1
Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, or until frosted on the outside. Double strain into a coupe. Garnish with a mint leaf.
Variations
Step 2
For an East Side, muddle a few cucumber slices with the mint and garnish with a fresh cucumber slice.
Step 3
Substitute vodka or tequila for the gin.
Step 4
Serve in a highball glass over fresh ice and top with club soda.
Step 5
Add 1–2 dashes of absinthe to make the French Pearl cocktail.