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Southside Gin Recipe

Southside Gin Recipe

By What’s Baking

A refreshingly tart and herbaceous gin cocktail with bright mint notes and zesty lime that awakens the palate with each sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
Overhead shot of a crystal-clear coupe glass filled with a pale mint-green Southside cocktail, set against a dark marble bar top. Golden backlighting illuminates the perfectly chilled cocktail, highlighting tiny ice shards floating on its surface. A lush, fresh mint sprig garnish creates a striking contrast against the delicate liquid, its oils glistening from being freshly slapped. Beads of condensation form on the outside of the glass, suggesting the cocktail's refreshing chill, while a subtle lime wheel rests on the rim, adding a splash of vibrant green.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml London dry gin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus extra sprig for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wheel for garnish (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Chilled coupe glass</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and cold water, then set aside. A properly chilled glass keeps your cocktail colder longer and enhances the drinking experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add mint leaves to your cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release the aromatic oils - press just enough to release the fragrance without shredding the leaves, which prevents bitter chlorophyll flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour in the gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. The acid from the lime will help extract mint oils while balancing the sweetness of the syrup.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fill your shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds. This duration provides optimal dilution and chilling while incorporating the mint oils throughout the cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Empty your chilled coupe glass of ice water and double-strain the cocktail through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer into the glass. This technique ensures no mint fragments or ice shards make it into your final drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>To garnish, gently slap a fresh mint sprig between your palms to release its aromatic oils, then place it on the surface of the cocktail. If desired, balance a lime wheel on the rim of the glass for additional visual appeal.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately while the drink is perfectly chilled and the mint aromas are at their most vibrant. The Southside is best enjoyed fresh, as the bright mint notes begin to fade over time.</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Which gin works best for a classic mint and lime cocktail?

London Dry gin is traditional and provides the ideal botanical backbone. Brands like Tanqueray, Beefeater or Sipsmith work excellently, offering juniper notes that complement mint without overwhelming it. For a modern twist, try gins with cucumber or citrus-forward profiles.

Why is double-straining important when making mint cocktails?

Double-straining removes tiny mint fragments and ice shards that can affect texture and appearance. This technique ensures a silky-smooth cocktail without bits of mint floating on top or between your teeth, while preserving the clean, refreshing nature of the drink.

What's the history behind the Southside cocktail?

The Southside reportedly originated during Prohibition in Chicago, named after the city's South Side gangsters who used mint and lime to mask the harsh taste of bathtub gin. Others claim it was created at the Southside Sportsmen's Club on Long Island in the 1890s.

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