Cocktail of the Month: Southside

 

Step into the early 20th century and explore the captivating origins of one of the era's most beloved libations: the Southside cocktail. This refreshing drink, featuring gin, citrus, and a hint of sweetness, has long been associated with the vibrant speakeasy culture of prohibition-era America. Join us as we uncover the intriguing history behind the Southside cocktail—from its clandestine beginnings in Chicago's underground bars to its enduring status as a timeless classic in the world of mixology.

Where did the Southside Cocktail Come from?

One of the earliest known records of the Southside cocktail can be traced to Hugo Ensslin's "Recipes for Mixed Drinks" from 1917. This publication is signification because it represents one of the final cocktail books written before the onset of Prohibition in America. 

Ensslin's version, dubbed the "Southside Fizz," featured a combination of lemon and lime juice, finished with soda water. Despite its popularity, the exact origins of the cocktail's name remain a subject of speculation. Some theories suggest a connection to the Southside Hunt Club or pay homage to the southern region of Long Island.

Another origin story places the Southside cocktail firmly within the context of Prohibition-era Chicago. 

During this tumultuous period, rival gangs vied for control over the illicit alcohol trade, with Al Capone's outfit dominating the southern side of the city. While Capone's gang smuggled in a harsher, less palatable gin, their counterparts on the northern side procured a milder, more agreeable variety. This discrepancy in gin quality led to the development of distinct cocktails—the Northside, featuring the smoother gin with ginger ale, and the Southside, which required additional ingredients like citrus fruit and sugar to mask the harshness of Capone's gin. 

Despite its unconventional origins, the Southside cocktail gained popularity among Capone and his associates, cementing its place in cocktail lore.

What is in a classic Southside cocktail? 

The classic Southside cocktail recipe calls for a harmonious blend of gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint, shaken and served over ice. The result is a crisp, citrus-forward cocktail with a hint of herbal freshness from the mint garnish.

Over the years, variations of the Southside emerged, with some bartenders opting to muddle the mint for a more pronounced herbal flavor, while others swap gin for vodka to create a Southside variation known as the Southside Rickey.

Modern Resurgence and Craft Cocktail Movement

While the Prohibition era may have ended, the legacy of the Southside cocktail lives on in the modern cocktail culture. With the resurgence of craft cocktails and a renewed interest in classic recipes, the Southside has found its place on the menus of trendy cocktail bars and speakeasy-inspired establishments around the world.

The Southside

Ingredients

  • 5 mint leaves

  • 1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

  • 2 ounces gin

  • 1 ounce simple syrup

  • Garnish: mint sprig

Directions

Add the mint leaves and lemon juice into a shaker and gently muddle. Add the gin and simple syrup with ice, and shake until well-chilled. Double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Come on in during April and try our Southside for yourself. 10% of proceeds from Southside sales go to Second Harvest Food Bank.

As we continue to explore the rich tapestry of classic cocktails, the Southside remains a timeless favorite, offering a refreshing blend of history, flavor, and nostalgia with each sip. So whether you find yourself in the bustling streets of Chicago or the cozy confines of your home bar, raise a glass to the Southside cocktail.

Cheers!

 
 

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Josh Van Den Berg