Have you ever heard of a Southside Cocktail? It’s a simple cocktail recipe – Gin-based, mint-kissed with a touch of citrus. Jump to the Southside Cocktail Recipe or read on to see our tips for making it.

There’s quite a history, too. Some say it came out of the prohibition era, others claim it was created in New York city at the 21 Club. Where ever it may have started, we’re happy it’s here.
This variation adds a few extra twists. We used lime for the citrus (other Southside cocktail recipes may call for lemon) and while we did shake the cocktail with lots of mint, we strained it well and served over ice. We added a few drops of aromatic bitters, too.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Add an herbal spin to the classic gin fizz cocktail with fresh rosemary. Jump to the Rosemary Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe.
Recipe updated, originally posted October 2012. Since posting this in 2012, we have tweaked the recipe to be more clear. – Adam and Joanne
Perfect Southside Cocktail Recipe
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The Southside is a simple cocktail recipe with gin, mint, and citrus. There’s quite a history, too. Some say it came out of the prohibition era, others claim it was created in New York city at the 21 Club. Where ever it may have started, we’re happy it’s here.
You Will Need
2 ounces (1/4 cup) spiced gin, like Bombay Sapphire
6 fresh mint leaves, plus more for serving
3/4 ounce (1 1/2 tablespoons) simple syrup, see our recipe for simple syrup
3/4 ounce (1 1/2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
3 drops Angostura cocktail bitters
Ice
Directions
1Add gin, mint, simple syrup, lime juice and bitters to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice. Shake un the mint is well bruised then strain into a glass with a few ice cubes. Garnish with more mint.
This is so refreshing and perfect for summer. Thank you!
I could easily be missing something, but isn’t 1 Tablespoon + 1 1/2 teaspoons the same thing as just 1 1/2 Tablespoons?
In any event, thanks for putting this out there! Makes the heat a bit more bearable to contemplate such treats…
Hi Mark — Yes, it is the same.
Mint and lime can really make any drink amazing, can’t they? Love love love.
You also take such beautiful photos… I totally struggle with the white backgrounds. I think I need to work on my white balance?
Can’t wait to go back and look through some of your archives!
Oh yeah… this looks great and refreshing! My kind of cocktail! 🙂
🙂