The Southside Cocktail is a refreshing treat that impresses with its harmonious combination of gin, mint and citrus fruits. This classic drink, which impresses with its elegant simplicity, has established itself in the world of cocktails since the 1920s. With THORALM Dry Gin, this classic becomes a special taste experience that combines modern sophistication and traditional craftsmanship.
The recipe for the perfect Southside Cocktail
The Southside Cocktail impresses with its balanced mix of freshness and complexity. The mint provides a cool, invigorating note, while the lime juice adds a pleasant acidity. The THORALM Dry Gin brings its characteristic aromas of juniper and citrus fruits, which round off the drink and give it depth.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml THORALM Dry Gin
- 25 ml fresh lime juice
- 20 ml sugar syrup
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- ice cubes
- soda (optional)
Preparation:
- Place the mint leaves and sugar syrup in a shaker and gently crush the mint with a pestle to release the essential oils.
- Add the THORALM Dry Gin, fresh lime juice and ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is pleasantly cool.
- Strain the contents into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Optional: Top up the drink with a splash of soda for a lighter version.
- Garnish the cocktail with a fresh mint sprig.
Preparation time: 5 minutes // Calories: about 160 kcal
Preparation tips:
To create the perfect Southside cocktail, follow these tips:
- Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh lime juice and mint for the best flavor.
- Make your own sugar syrup: A homemade sugar syrup made from equal parts sugar and water provides better sweetness and consistency than store-bought versions.
- Shake well: Shake the cocktail vigorously to optimally mix the flavors and achieve a pleasant coolness.
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DRY GIN in gift box 500ml
72,00 €14,40 € / 100 ml
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Product contains: 500 ml
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THORALM DRY GIN 500ml
59,90 €11,98 € / 100 ml
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Product contains: 500 ml
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THORALM DRY GIN 6 x 500ml
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Product contains: 3000 ml
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variants
Over time, bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts have developed different variations of the Southside. Some popular variations include:
- Southside Fizz: A sparkling variation where the cocktail is topped up with soda to create a refreshing and light drink.
- Southside Royale: This luxurious version adds a touch of champagne, giving the cocktail a classy touch.
- Southside Rickey: Similar to the classic Rickey cocktail, in addition to the usual ingredients, soda and a splash of Angostura bitters are added.
Southside Cocktail – Variations at a Glance
| variant | discrimination | Additional ingredients | Character / Taste | Serving suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Southside | Basic version with gin, lime & mint | – | Fresh, herbal, slightly sweet and sour | cocktail glass, mint sprig |
| Southside Fizz | Filled with soda | + 60–90 ml soda water | Light, sparkling, especially refreshing | Highball glass, lemon zest |
| Frozen Southside | Blended with crushed ice | + Crushed ice | Slushy texture, icy and refreshing | Tumbler, thick-walled glass |
| Spicy Southside | With a spicy kick | + 1–2 slices of fresh chili or ginger | Fresh with a spicy note, spicy | Coupette with chili ring or mint |
| Cucumber Southside | With cucumber note | + 2–3 cucumber slices in a shaker | Cooling, herbal, perfect in summer | Highball, cucumber slice |
| Elderflower Southside | Floral & sweet | + 15 ml elderflower syrup | Floral, soft, elegant | cocktail glass, elderflower |
| Basil Southside | With basil instead of mint | + 6–8 basil leaves | Aromatic, Mediterranean, green | Coupette, basil leaf |
| Southside Royale | With sparkling wine/champagne instead of soda | + 60 ml dry sparkling wine | Elegant, sparkling, ideal for special occasions | Champagne flute or coupe |
serving suggestions
The Southside Cocktail is a versatile drink that suits many occasions:
- aperitif: Due to its refreshing properties, Southside is perfect as an aperitif, preparing the palate for the meal to come.
- summer parties: The freshness of the mint and citrus notes make the cocktail an ideal companion for summer garden parties and barbecues.
- Elegant evenings: At formal events, serve Southside in elegant cocktail glasses garnished with a mint sprig and lime slice to add a touch of class.
The history and origin
The Southside cocktail saw its rise during the Prohibition era in the United States. During this era, when the sale of alcohol was banned, connoisseurs would gather in secret bars called speakeasies. Often served at the Southside Sportsmen's Club on Long Island, the Southside quickly became a favorite because the fresh mint and citrus flavor masked the often harsh taste of the alcohol available at the time.
Another chapter of the story takes us to Chicago, to the South Side, an area known for its gangsters and smugglers. The cocktail is said to be the preferred drink of Al Capone whose gang dominated Chicago's South Side. While the gin imported by Capone's rivals on Chicago's north side was smooth and often consumed with ginger ale, the gin consumed by Capone's gang had a rougher finish and required more sweeteners to be enjoyable. Thus, the Southside was created to improve the taste of the inferior gin and create a pleasant drinking experience.
Regardless of its exact origins, the Southside is a testament to creativity and adaptability in difficult times. Today it stands for enjoyment in style and is a symbol of the elegance and glamour of the 1920s, which still comes alive in every sip of this refreshing cocktail.
Why THORALM Dry Gin?
THORALM Dry Gin provides the perfect base for the Southside Cocktail. Its balanced blend of juniper, citrus notes and fine herbs harmonizes perfectly with the cocktail's fresh ingredients. The careful selection and processing of the botanicals ensures that every sip is an aromatic experience.
Enjoy the Southside Cocktail at your next party or a cozy evening and let yourself be enchanted by its freshness and elegance. With our THORALM Dry Gin every drink becomes a special highlight.
Photo: Brent Hofacker / stock.adobe.com
