SOUTH SIDE COCKTAIL RECIPE

The South Side Cocktail has earned its place as a beloved classic for many reasons. Its refreshing flavor profile, featuring the perfect balance of gin, citrus juices, and mint, creates a delightful drink that’s both crisp and invigorating. The homemade lemon simple syrup, infused with zesty lemon peel, adds a depth of flavor that sets this cocktail apart. The aromatic mint, gently muddled to release its natural oils, provides a fragrant and minty freshness that complements all ingredients perfectly. Serving the cocktail over crushed ice not only chills it quickly but also adds a refreshing, slightly diluted touch that makes it exceptionally enjoyable on a warm day. The elegant presentation in a coupe glass, garnished with a mint sprig, adds a sophisticated flair, making it visually appealing. Whether at a casual summer gathering or a sophisticated cocktail party, the South Side Cocktail’s versatility and refreshing taste make it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts. You will see, you will love this cocktail!

Let’s start with preparing the drink by making the lemon simple syrup:

1/2 cup filtered water

1/2 cup sugar

3 x 2” pieces of lemon peel

Combine the filtered water, sugar, and lemon peel in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved. Lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the lemon peels, strain into a container, and allow to cool for 30 minutes.

2 oz gin

3/4 oz lemon simple syrup

1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

8 mint leaves

Mint sprig

Coupe glass

Add the fresh mint leaves to the cocktail shaker and gently press them with a muddler to release their natural oils and aroma. Add ice cubes to the shaker, then pour in the gin, lemon simple syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Shake well. Fill the coupe glass with crushed ice cubes. Double strain the South Side Cocktail into the coupe glass and garnish with a mint sprig.