Southside Cocktail: a gin mojito

The Southside Cocktail is a refreshing, strong minty flavored cocktail. It is very similar to a mojito only the main liquor used in gin.

What is a southside cocktail?

A southside cocktail is a very minty, fresh and cooling drink. It is kind of like gin mojito. There are a few variations to this cocktail like the eastside cocktail or you can simply add club soda for a southside fizz.

Or, if you like mojitos, you can try the Blue Mojito.

The gin included in this cocktail lends a botanical and almost pine-like flavor mixed into the fresh mint zing. It’s a perfect combination full of flavor.

This cocktail with it’s refreshing taste is perfect for sipping in the summer or spring. Relaxing in the summer heat on your front porch with this cocktail is a great combination.

Who invented the southside?

The history of this cocktail has some tales, but none are written in stone. The rumor is that this cocktail was created by Al Capone and his gang in the Southside of Chicago, hence the name.

Regardless of exactly who or where or why this cocktail was created, it has been around since the early 1900’s as evidenced by it’s history being captured in books in that time period. Due to it’s long history, it is also a standard recognized by the IBA on their official list of cocktails.

How to make this drink:

This drink is pretty simple to make. You do have a few additional steps like muddling your mint. However, the taste when you’re done will be worth it.

Equipment:

• highball glass or Gimlet
• jigger
• bar spoon
• cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Hawthorne strainer

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz lemon
• .5 simple syrup
• 5 mint leaves
• Ice
• 2oz gin

Instructions:

Step one

Gather together your glass, cocktail shaker, muddler and jigger as well as your ingredients.

Step two

You can use either a gimlet or a rocks glass for this drink. Either way fill your glass with ice.

Step three

Next, take your cocktail shaker, and add 8 to 10 mint leaves.

Step four

Use your jigger to measure and add one and a half ounces of lemon juice to your Shaker with your mint leaves.

Step Five

Use your jigger again to measure and add ½ an ounce of simple syrup to your shaker.

Step Six

Grab your muddler, place it in your shaker and use it to muddle (or gently smash) your mint leaves in with the lemon and simple syrup. You don’t want to completely decimate the mint. Your goal is to get the mint juice to come out so it is fragrant and incorporated in your drink.

Step Seven

Once you have thoroughly combined the mint, lemon juice and simple syrup add ice to your shaker. Fill it almost to the top.

Use your jigger to measure 2 oz of gin and add that to the shaker.

Step Eight

Pop the top on your Shaker and give it a throw shake for about 20 seconds.

Step Nine

Remove the Shaker top and replace it with your Hawthorne strainer.

Step Ten

Finally, for the liquid from your Shaker into your glass over your ice.

As a garnish take a sprig of a few additional mint leaves and place it on the side of your glass.