The scene: it’s a sweltering summer day and you’ve been thinking about grilling all week long, but damn you need a cold drink to beat the heat. Enter the most refreshing, herbaceous gin drink, the southside cocktail. It combines fresh mint, lime juice, and dry gin into a harmonious drink that is lightly sweetened with simple syrup.
Shake it over ice, then strain into a low ball or coupe glass and enjoy immediately. Like the effervescence of bubbles? Top it off with a splash of club soda just before serving. Add a sprig of mint, then toast to warmer weather. Pinky’s raised is totally acceptable!
As for the origins and history of the southside cocktail, it’s a bit unclear. There are claims of the drink originating from the southside of Chicago to Long Island, and half a dozen other places in between. What’s clear is that the revival of this classic drink sparks joy.
Thirsty? Me too, always. Let’s make a southside!
Southside Cocktail Ingredients
Gin + citrus + sugar + mint — that’s it! Here’s why it all works together:
- Fresh mint: muddled in the cocktail as well as used for garnish — herbaceous, sweet, and so versatile in cocktails!
- Fresh lime juice: Fresh, bright acidity that works beautifully with the mint and gin
- Simple syrup: equal parts of water and sugar that add a delicate sweetness to the gin cocktail
- Dry gin: our favorite gin for this cocktail is The Botanist!
- Club soda, optional: the bubbles add a lightness to the drink and also help to dilute the gin a bit. We prefer southside cocktails without club soda, but it’s a great option to have on standby for guests!
To make simple syrup ahead of time: Combine equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan, then heat without bringing to a boil until the sugar has melted. I recommend using 1 cup of each, then storing leftover simple syrup in a squeeze bottle or airtight container. When sealed and stored in a refrigerator, simple syrup will keep for weeks. Note: you can substitute agave nectar for simple syrup in a pinch!
How To Make A Southside Cocktail
Grab a cocktail shaker and muddler!
- Bruise the mint. Place 1 mint sprig, lime juice, and simple syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, then use a muddler to bruise the mint.
- Shake and serve. Fill halfway with ice, add gin, then shake well. Strain into a coupe glass. Optional: can top with club soda. Garnish with extra mint sprig.
It really is that simple!
If you love this drink, be sure to try our crisp, clean Cucumber Martini recipe!
Variations
- The gin you use in cocktails matters a lot. We have a decent gin collection in our home bar, and we’ve tried this drink with several varieties. While we prefer a dry gin, there are options that are more floral. Just by switching out the variety of gin you can get a whole new flavor profile. Experiment with what you’ve got!
- Don’t have fresh limes? Replace with other citrus of choice: lemons, grapefruit (omg grapefruit and gin are a classic combo!), whatever is fresh and on hand!
- Instead of topping with club soda, add Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, or Brut instead! Very similar in profile to a French 75, which we adore!
- Not a fan of gin? Use another light liquor, such as vodka.
- If you didn’t get a chance to make simple syrup, you can substitute with agave nectar!
Other Cocktails To Try
- Paper plane cocktail
- Pomegranate tequila cosmo
- Classic margarita recipe
- Cranberry gin shaker
- French 75
If you love gin and cucumber cocktails and happen to have an extra cuke lying around, highly recommend making a gin gimlet! It’s really similar to the southside drink — equally light and delicious on hot summer day — but with cool, refreshing cucumber!
We cannot wait to hear what you think about this refreshing, light gin and mint cocktail! If you make this Southside Cocktail, please let us know by leaving a review and rating below!
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Southside Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 fresh mint springs
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice about 1 lime
- ¾ oz simple syrup see instructions below
- 2 oz dry gin
- 1 ½ oz club soda optional
- Ice
Instructions
- Bruise the mint. Place 1 mint sprig, lime juice, and simple syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, then use a muddler to bruise the mint.
- Shake and serve. Fill halfway with ice, add gin, then shake well. Strain into a coupe glass. Optional: can top with club soda. Garnish with extra mint sprig.
Notes
- To make simple syrup ahead of time: Combine equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan, then heat without bringing to a boil until the sugar has melted. I recommend using 1 cup of each, then storing leftover simple syrup in a squeeze bottle or airtight container. When sealed and stored in a refrigerator, simple syrup will keep for weeks. Note: you can substitute agave nectar for simple syrup in a pinch!
Let us know your thoughts!