Southside

The story

The Southside cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly in Chicago. It gained popularity among speakeasies during Prohibition, often attributed to the Southside Sportsmen's Club. Its refreshing mint and citrus profile made it a favorite, ensuring its longevity in cocktail culture.

How it tastes

The Southside offers a bright and refreshing flavor profile, characterized by the herbal notes of mint, the crispness of gin, and the tartness of lime. It is best served as a refreshing aperitif or during warm weather gatherings.

Getting it right

The key to a successful Southside lies in the freshness of the mint and the quality of the gin. Shaking the ingredients vigorously with ice ensures proper dilution and chilling, while fine straining helps achieve a smooth texture without mint debris.

Variations

• Southside Fizz — This variation adds soda water for a fizzy twist, making it a more refreshing drink.
• Southside Royale — Incorporates sparkling wine, adding a celebratory touch to the classic recipe.

Substitutions

• Mint leaves — If fresh mint is unavailable, use a mint syrup, though the flavor will differ.
• Rutte Dry Gin — Any quality dry gin can be used, though the specific botanicals will affect the final taste.

Questions

Can I use other spirits instead of gin?

Yes, while gin is traditional, you can experiment with vodka for a different base flavor.

Is it necessary to fine strain the cocktail?

Fine straining is recommended to remove mint particles, resulting in a smoother drink.

What type of glass should I use?

A coupe glass is standard for serving a Southside, but a rocks glass can also work.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026