The Southside Cocktail

HISTORY OF THE SOUTH SIDE COCKTAIL

HISTORY OF THE SOUTH SIDE COCKTAIL

The origins of the Southside cocktail are not entirely clear. Some say the cocktail originated from south side of Chicago, where Al Capone smuggled harsh gin during Prohibition, which required other fresh, aromatic ingredients to make it more palatable. This practice was not uncommon during the years when the Volstead Act was in place and these often-vile spirits that were watered down and cut with additives came to be know as “bathtub gin.”

Another take on the origins of the South Side are derived from Hugo Enslinn’s Recipes for Mixed Drinks, written in 1917 just before the start of Prohibition. In this classic and hugely influential recipe book, you’ll find a recipe called the “South Side Fizz,” which is described as a classic Gin Fizz shaken with mint leaves. The gin fizz, however, is often lengthened with soda water, which is not something you’ll find in a classic Southside Cocktail.

HOW TO MAKE THE SOUTH SIDE COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 oz Simple Syurp
  • Handfull fresh mint leaves

GARNISH:

  • Lemon twist
  • Mint sprig

DIRECTIONS:
In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mint and simple syrup. Add remaining ingredients with ice and shake then strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a mint sprig.

SOUTHSIDE COCKTAIL VARIATIONS

SOUTHSIDE COCKTAIL VARIATIONS

The Southside cocktail recipe is basically a gin Mojito without soda water, or a gin Daiquiri with mint. A classic twist on the Southside to make it even closer to a gin mojito is to serve the cocktail in a long glass with ice and add a few ounces of soda water, much like Ensslin’s original “Southside Fizz.” It will transform the drink to a longer, refreshing cocktail perfect for warm summer days. Adding Prosecco or Champagne instead of soda water is slightly more potent way to fizz up this classic cocktail.

Looking to change up the acid profile of your Southside? Think about using equal parts lemon and lime juice, or employing a lemon mint shrub to provide a slightly more robust acetic acid “tang.” For a more floral take on this refreshing drink, add just a few dashes of our Embitterment Lavender Bitters and a flowery aromatic bouquet will infuse your cocktail.