With the daffodils starting to peek their heads timidly out of the ground and the arrival of robins flitting through the trees, our cocktail daydreams are turning to lighter flavors. We especially love gin this time of year, with all its lovely botanicals, reminding us that the warmer temperatures that are just teasing us now will soon give way to the flower-filled and sunshine-soaked days of spring.
So today, we offer you the dreamy South Side cocktail for your spring sipping pleasure. This classic, which first appeared in the early 20th century, also can be turned into a fizz for when bubbles suit your fancy. One cocktail, two ways – for whichever way the spring breezes blow.
South Side
2 oz. gin
¾ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ oz. simple syrup
5 or so mint leaves
In a cocktail shaker, add the mint and simple syrup. Lightly muddle the mint leaves – not too hard, or they can impart a bitterness to your cocktail! Just gently until a bit of fragrance is released. Next, add the gin and lemon juice. Add ice and shake until well-chilled. Double strain (with a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer – so that no mint bits enter your glass) into a chilled cocktail glass. Sip & enjoy!
South Side Fizz
2 oz. gin
¾ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ oz. simple syrup
5 or so mint leaves
Club soda, to top (about 1 ½ oz.)
In a cocktail shaker, add the mint and simple syrup. Lightly muddle the mint leaves – not too hard, or they can impart a bitterness to your cocktail! Just gently until a bit of fragrance is released. Next, add the gin and lemon juice. Add ice and shake until well-chilled. Double strain (with a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer – so that no mint bits enter your glass) into a chilled, tall glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and gently stir to incorporate. Sip & enjoy!