Said to be Al Capone’s favorite cocktail, this mixture of gin, lemon, and mint just might be untouchable.
It was a cold night in New York City, and I didn’t want to go out. But my friend convinced me. We hailed a cab and took that yellow box all the way downtown, to a little hot dog joint that didn’t have a name. Inside was an old, broken phone booth that we squeezed into. My friend picked up the phone, muttered something I couldn’t hear… and seconds later, a secret door in that old phone booth opened, revealing a 1920s-style speakeasy hidden just beyond.
The drink I had that night was called the Southside, a tangy and refreshing mixture of gin, mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The barkeep was playing up the history for us, telling me that I was drinking Al Capone’s favorite drink. I was intrigued. What’s the story behind this cocktail that’s around a hundred years old? Did it involve gangland murders, shootouts with Eliot Ness or escapes from Alcatraz?
Supposedly, the gangs on the Northside of Chicago had a nice, smooth gin that they were able to sneak in under the law’s nose. They drank their spirit with ginger ale, but Capone’s crew on the Southside could only get their hands on a rougher gin that was a little tougher to drink. In order to enjoy that ill-gotten booze, they had to mix lemons, mint, and sugar with it. The Southside cocktail was born.
What is the best gin to use in a Southside cocktail?
Because of Prohibition, folks who went to enjoy a few drinks at their local speakeasy were often served bathtub gin, which didn’t have the best taste. Since we don’t have to settle for bootleg spirits anymore, a good London Dry will not only taste great but also pack the right punch for this historical drink.
Ingredients
- 5 fresh mint leaves plus an extra sprig for garnish
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce simple syrup
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, pour in the lemon juice and muddle gently using a muddler or the back of a spoon. Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can make the mint bitter.
- Add the gin and simple syrup to the shaker with the muddled mint and lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a mint sprig.
Nutrition
What kind of glassware and garnish are used?
During the days of Prohibition, partygoers would have their drinks served in a coffee cup, so when the police raided the place, it didn’t look like everybody was holding an illegal cocktail. Today, however, you can enjoy your Southside Cocktail in a stylish coupe, garnished with a sprig of mint. You can still use a coffee cup, if you like, for historical accuracy.
What is the difference between this cocktail and a Gimlet?
The mint! And with this recipe, the lemon, as most Gimlets call for lime juice.
Similar drinks to the Southside cocktail
If you enjoyed the Southside, you might be wondering what other drinks you can check out. Well, Twist & Toast is the perfect place to satisfy that cocktail curiosity. Take a look at some of our suggestions below before exploring the site for even more enticing options.
- Eastside Cocktail – Swapping lemon for lime and adding a little cucumber to your Southside makes it an Eastside.
- The Bootleg Cocktail – Another tasty dram born during the era of Prohibition.
- Classic Daiquiri – Similar to the Southside but with rum as its base instead of gin.
- French Gimlet – St. Germain makes this drink an extra special one.
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