Southside Cocktail: The Ultimate Elixir to Elevate Your Evening

Looking for something that’s fresh but still packs a punch? Meet the Southside Cocktail. It’s like a gin and tonic’s cooler, mintier cousin that just got back from a summer spent in the garden.

You get that crisp snap of lime, that herbal mint vibe and that gin bite that makes you stop after the first sip like… wow, that’s good.

This drink’s got that whole effortless cool thing going on. Throw it in a fancy glass and it’s rooftop ready.

Pour it over ice and suddenly your Wednesday night feels like a weekend.

It’s the kinda cocktail that works anywhere… backyard barbecue, date night, or just standing barefoot in your kitchen pretending you’re at some bougie bar downtown.

But the best part? It’s as easy to make as it is to drink. And it’s gonna look just as good sitting on your counter as it does on your Insta feed.

What It Is & Where It Comes From

The Southside Cocktail is what happens when gin decides to take a vacation somewhere breezy and green.

It’s cool, crisp and a little cheeky… kinda like a mint julep but with way more attitude.

Rumor has it, this one started in Prohibition-era speakeasies, where bootleggers used mint to cover up the rough edges of bathtub gin.

Others say it was the drink of choice for the Southside Mob in Chicago, which… honestly, makes it sound a lot cooler.

Wherever it came from, the Southside’s still here, still refreshing, still that perfect mix of gin, lime and mint that somehow works in every season.

Tips to Make The Southside Cocktail at Home

Want that Southside to taste like it just came off a bar menu? Here’s how to nail it at home:

• Mint matters: Go big on the mint… 8-10 leaves minimum. But don’t crush it to death. You just wanna muddle enough to release those oils without turning it into mint mush.
• Double strain or regret it: Nobody wants to be picking mint bits outta their teeth. Use a fine mesh strainer to keep it smooth and sippable.
• Ice is everything: The colder, the better. Big ice cubes melt slower, so your drink stays crisp, not watery.
• Dial in the sweetness: Simple syrup keeps it classic, but you can swap in honey syrup or agave for a little something extra.
• Glass choice is a vibe: Serve it in a chilled coupe for that speakeasy feel or over ice in a rocks glass if you’re feeling casual.
• Garnish with purpose: Mint sprig and a lime wheel aren’t just for looks. Every time you bring the glass up, that mint hits first… setting the whole tone for the drink.

Best Food Pairings for a Southside Cocktail

Keep it light and fresh… the Southside’s got that zesty, minty vibe that pairs best with bites that won’t weigh you down:

Citrusy shrimp skewers: The lime in the cocktail plays nice with lemony grilled shrimp.

Goat cheese crostini: Creamy, tangy and just rich enough to balance out that gin bite.

Cucumber bites: Fresh cucumber rounds with a little herbed cream cheese or smoked salmon.

Basil pesto bruschetta: The mint and basil combo? Kinda perfect.

Sliced melon: Sweet, juicy and just the right amount of refreshing to keep things chill.

The Ultimate Southside Cocktail

The Southside Cocktail is a refreshing mixture of gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and mint leaves. Its invigorating taste profile is perfect for a casual gathering or a fancy cocktail party, capturing the essence of summer in every sip.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Gin
• 1 ounce Fresh lime juice
• 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 8-10 Fresh Mint leaves
• Ice
• Mint sprig for garnish
• Lime wheel for garnish

Zero-proof version: Swap the gin for a botanical gin alternative like Seedlip or a splash of tonic water. Keep the lime juice and simple syrup as is. Double down on the mint for that crisp, refreshing vibe without the booze.

Instructions

1. Muddle Mint: In a shaker, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with the simple syrup to release their oils.
2. Add Ingredients: Pour in the gin and fresh lime juice, then fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled and combined.
4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
6. Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Southside Cocktail!

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 198kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 27g

Southside Cocktail Variations to Try

Wanna switch it up? Here’s how to take the classic Southside and give it a twist:

Southside Royale: Top it off with a splash of Prosecco for some bubbles.

Basil Southside: Swap mint for fresh basil… a little peppery, a little sweet.

Spicy Southside: Muddle in a slice of jalapeño for a kick that sneaks up on you.

Lavender Southside: Infuse the simple syrup with dried lavender for a floral vibe.

Cucumber Southside: Muddle a few cucumber slices with the mint for extra chill factor.

Need some more green cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day ? Why not try a Leprechaun Mimosa, an Incredible Hulk, or a Gin Gimlet?

To pin for later:

Continue to Content

Yield: 1

Southside Cocktail Recipe

Print

A Southside cocktail made with fresh mint and gin is the perfect blend of classic and refreshing. Try it tonight!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml Gin
• 30 ml Fresh lime juice
• 22 ml simple syrup
• 8-10 Fresh Mint leaves
• Ice
• Mint sprig for garnish
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle Mint: In a shaker, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with the simple syrup to release their oils.
2. Add Ingredients: Pour in the gin and fresh lime juice, then fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake: Shake well until the mixture is chilled and combined.
4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish: Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
6. Serve: Enjoy your refreshing Southside Cocktail!

Notes

Zero-proof version: Swap the gin for a botanical gin alternative like Seedlip or a splash of tonic water. Keep the lime juice and simple syrup as is. Double down on the mint for that crisp, refreshing vibe without the booze.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 198Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 9mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 3gSugar: 17gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.