Ingredients

  • 6Mint leaves
  • 2 ozLondon dry gin
  • ¾ ozFresh lemon juice
  • ¾ ozSimple syrup
  • 🍋Mint sprig(garnish)

🔧 Tools

shakermuddlerstrainerjigger

Instructions

  1. Gently muddle mint leaves in a shaker.
  2. Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice.
  3. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds.
  4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  5. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

📜 History

The South Side is believed to have originated during Prohibition at either Chicago's South Side speakeasies or the exclusive 21 Club in New York—both claim credit. The cocktail combines gin with fresh mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup in what's essentially a gin version of the mojito. The mint was likely used to mask the harsh taste of bathtub gin. The South Side became associated with gangster culture (Al Capone's territory was Chicago's South Side) and high society alike. The cocktail was revived during the craft cocktail renaissance and remains popular for its refreshing, straightforward appeal.

#classic#prohibition#gin#mint#citrus#chicago#21-club