Southside

What is the difference between a Gimlet, a Mojito, and a Southside Cocktail?

A Gimlet traditionally combines Gin with lime cordial, presenting a tart and sweet profile, while a Mojito blends rum with fresh lime juice, mint, sugar, and soda water, offering a refreshing and minty flavor with a bubbly finish. In contrast, a Southside Cocktail mixes Gin with lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves, delivering a refreshing and balanced beverage with a pronounced botanical flavor and a zesty kick. While refreshing and citrusy, each cocktail provides a unique flavor experience due to the different base spirits and combination of ingredients used.

Southside with Lemon or Lime Juice?

Lime juice introduces a more tart and robust citrus profile to the mix, pairing splendidly with a smoother gin like Hendrick’s, enhancing its unique cucumber and rose infusion.  On the other hand, Lemon juice, with its bright and zesty flavor, complements the botanical notes of Gin, creating a well-rounded and refreshing beverage. It pairs exceptionally well with well-known gin brands like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire.

Southside Cocktail with Rum or Vodka

Opting for rum instead of Gin introduces a sweeter and smoother flavor, often with subtle notes of caramel or molasses, depending on the rum chosen. On the other hand, choosing vodka provides a more neutral and clean canvas, letting the flavors of mint and citrus shine more prominently. Each alternative base spirit creates a unique tasting experience while maintaining the refreshing essence of the original Southside Cocktail.

Southside Variations

Looking for additional twists? We’ve compiled some unique ones we love:

• Southside Fizz: This adaptation adds club soda to the original mix, creating a bubbly and effervescent experience. The fizziness really elevates the refreshment factor, making it wonderfully crisp and invigorating. I love how the bubbles tingle on the tongue; it’s perfect for sipping on a warm day.
• Cucumber Southside: Fresh cucumber slices enhance this offering with a crisp and cooling effect, which complements the mint and lemon beautifully. Moreover, the cucumber’s freshness adds a clean and soothing quality. I particularly appreciate how the cucumber’s mild flavor makes it incredibly refreshing and easy to drink.
• Elderflower Southside: This introduces elderflower liqueur, adding a sophisticated and aromatic blend to the foundation. The floral notes from the elderflower are delicately woven through each sip, creating a charmingly sweet and fragrant bouquet that elevates the overall taste.

History and Origins of the Southside Cocktail

The Southside Cocktail boasts a history shrouded in mystery, with its origin attributed to different sources. One prevalent theory suggests that the Southside originated during Prohibition in the South Side district of Chicago, a notorious area run by gangsters where speakeasies proliferated. Adding mint and citrus to the concoction reportedly masked the unpleasant taste of the poorly-made Gin at the time.

Another theory posits that the Southside has its roots in the pre-Prohibition era, specifically at the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island. The club’s wealthy members, seeking a refreshing beverage after their outdoor pursuits, supposedly favored this gin-based concoction.