Southside Cocktail

The Southside Cocktail is a refreshing beverage that is a combination of a Mojito and a Gimlet. It’s a great drink worth trying!

History of the Southside Cocktail

There is an interesting history to the Southside Cocktail. There are three theories about its origins. The first theory, is that it was invented at the Southside Sportsman’s Club on Long Island, New York. This is where rich men from New York would go to hunt and fish. After a long day of “sport,” they would sip this refreshing drink. It’s boring story, but probably true.

The second theory stems from New York during the Prohibition Era. Definitely more interesting. As the story goes, there was a speakeasy in New York called Jack and Charlies, named after the owners. They a had a system of levers behind the bar that allowed them to drop all the alcohol down a chute into the sewer in the back alley if trouble arrived. This story has a little more intrigue and some will argue it was the true origin because gin was easier to get during prohibition than other alcohols.

The third theory involves Chicago, Prohibition and the Mob. This is probably not the origin of the drink, but is by far the most interesting. Chicago was split into the North and South sides. The North side mob cornered the market on illegal alcohol, getting most of it through Canada. This left the guys on the South side to make their own alcohol, which apparently tasted pretty nasty. In order to make it drinkable, they added citrus, sugar and mint and thus the Southside Cocktail was born.

Variations of the Southside

There are a few different ways to make this drink. However, some people can get pretty stubborn about how to do it. So depending on what bar you order it in, you may get something slightly different. Many use lemon or lime for the citrus portion. I like lime. Serve it straight up or on the rocks. I prefer straight up. Finally, a splash of soda water can be added to give your drink that bit of fizz. I top my drink off with the soda water. You may need to experiment a little to find the way you like it. For me, the following recipe is the way to go! Smooth, refreshing and bursting with citrus flavor!

How to make the Southside Cocktail

• Fill a shaker with ice.
• Add the gin, lime juice, simple sugar and a couple mint leaves.
• Shake vigoursly.
• Pour into a coupe or martini glass.
• Add a splash of soda water.
• Garnish with a mint leave.
• Cheers!

For other delicious cocktails try our:

The Classic Daiquiri

Dark ‘N’ Stormy

Classic Mint Julep

Classic Mojito Cocktail

Whiskey Sour Cocktail

Check out our Drinks & Cocktails section for many more delicious beverages!