Southside Cocktail

The Southside: The Perfect Summer Drink

Made with gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and a handful of fresh mint leaves, the Southside has been refreshing cocktail connoisseurs for more than a century. It is perfectly balanced, thanks to botanical-forward gin, zingy lime juice, aromatic mint, and just a little sweetness from simple syrup. It’s a bit like a mojito—but brighter, and more fun.

The Southside is the ideal beverage for any summer gathering. Serve it in a highball glass for a backyard barbecue, or for a dinner party, grab your coupe glasses for a touch of elegance. You can even serve it with a Champagne topper, French 75-style.

Which Gin is Best?

We are very fond of Esmé, a beautiful French gin featuring the botanical flavors of juniper, spice, cucumber, and rose. You can use any gin you like, but don’t skimp on quality—this simple recipe relies on a smooth, aromatic gin for the very best result.

For the Southside, we also like citrus-forward gins, including Plymouth, Roku, and Stratusphere.

Where Does the Southside Cocktail Come From?

The Southside has been spotted in recipe books as early as 1913. It often appears as the “Southside Fizz,” which relies on club soda for bubbly effervesence. Legend has it that the Southside was a favorite of infamous gangster Al Capone and his Chicago crew.

The true origins of the cocktail and its name may remain a mystery. However, we do know that it rose in popularity during the Prohibition era, the period between 1920-1933 when the United States outlawed the production, importation, and sale of alcohol. People turned to distilling their own alcohol—sometimes with disastrous results. Homemade “bathtub gin” being pretty noxious stuff, the lime, sugar, and mint helped to cover the unpleasant taste.

What to Serve with the Southside Cocktail

The Southside features fresh, bright, and herbal flavors. I like to serve it alongside seasonal dishes that feature fresh herbs, including mint. Some of my favorites include this Snap Pea and Farro Salad, Fava Beans with Lemon Ricotta, or Homemade Pita Bread with Tzatziki. This cocktail also shines when served with my Grilled Leg of Lamb with Salsa Verde.

My Favorite Summer Cocktail Recipes

The Southside cocktail is light, bright, and fresh for hot summer days, but you’ll want other options, especially if you are entertaining—including some nonalcoholic choices. Here are some equally delicious options that your guests will love:

• Tinto de Verano—This Spanish summertime mainstay is as simple as it is irresistible. Since it is wine-based, it is a great choice for those who may prefer not to drink hard liquor. While the ingredients may sound strange (principally, red wine and lemon soda), trust me—this classic drink is deliciously addictive.
• Lemon, Lemon & Lemon French 75—Like the Southside, this light, effervescent twist on a French 75 also features gin. It derives unique flavor from a homemade simple syrup featuring lemongrass and lemon balm, with a delightful fizz from sparkling wine. If you enjoy gardening, lemongrass and lemon balm both fare well in the home garden.
• Endless Summer—Once summer arrives, some of us just can’t stop eating peaches. You know who you are. And true connoiseurs know where real peaches come from (spoiler alert: South Carolina). Endless Summer is an original recipe from The Eating Emporium’s favorite mixologist, Hannah Moore, featuring perfectly-ripe peaches and bourbon. Need I say more?
• Ginger-Lime Spritzer—This nonalcoholic favorite from Chef Marie Hanson is one of my top summer go-tos. Sometimes, Chef Marie adds fresh mango juice—famed violinist Itzhak Perlman proclaimed it one of the best drinks he’d ever had.