South Side
A Prohibition-era gin cocktail with mint, lemon, and sugar—essentially a gin mojito.
- 6mint leaves
- 2 ozlondon dry gin
- ¾ ozfresh lemon juice
- ¾ ozsimple syrup
- Mint spriggarnish
- 1Gently muddle mint leaves in a shaker.
- 2Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice.
- 3Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds.
- 4Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- 5Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
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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.
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