South Side
the perfect summer drink fit for a crowd
This exceptional, uncomplicated summer drink is perfect with gin or vodka. The traditional recipe calls for gin (which I prefer, although I’m usually in the minority in this). South Sides can be deadly, so proceed with caution. Last night, after 3 beverages, my friend Luke started calling them “Santa Monica’s” for reasons no one can discern. “MAKE ME ANOTHER SANTA MONICA!”, with a decidedly bratty twang, still echoes in my ears.
Funnily enough, the South Side’s roots couldn’t be farther from Santa Monica, California. There is much debate about whether the drink’s namesake refers to the south side of Chicago or the Southside Sportsmen’s Club of Long Island.
The South Side is sister to the mojito (with white liquor instead of rum) and cousin to the margarita (with lemon instead of lime, and gin/vodka instead of tequila). It’s a simple formula that can be replicated anywhere and adjusted to your liking. Gin or vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, mint, and club soda.
Ingredients below for 1 large cocktail (or 2 small), and for a batch.
IMPORTANT: Since the shaken ingredients make a concentrate (very high test), it is meant to be poured over ice to fill just 2/3 of the glass, then topped with club soda. This is essential. Many have made the lethal mistake of filling the whole glass with the concentrate.
TOOLS:
cocktail shaker, mason jar with lid, or other vessel to shake well
for batched drinks, I recommend two great pitchers: this, and this
INGREDIENTS:
makes 1 large, 2 small
3 oz gin or vodka
1.5 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed or Italian Volcano only
.75 oz simple syrup—I use Wholesum Yum or Lakanto (both sugar-free)
3-5 mint leaves, slapped with your palm to release flavor
club soda
good ice
STEPS:
Prepare glass(es) with ice.
In a shaker, add ice, liquor, lemon juice, simple syrup and slapped mint leaves. Shake vigorously. We are releasing the mint flavors and frothing the drink.
Fill the glass(es) 2/3 of the way with the shaken liquid. Top the rest with club soda, and more mint for garnish. Serve!
BATCH:
makes 8 large drinks, 16 small
1 bottle of gin or vodka (750ml, ~24 oz)
12 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed or Italian Volcano only
6 oz simple syrup—I use Wholesum Yum or Lakanto (both sugar-free)
~30 mint leaves, slapped with palm to release flavor and muddled in pitcher (favorites linked above)
club soda
BATCH STEPS:
In a pitcher, add liquor, lemon juice, simple syrup and slapped mint leaves.
Muddle with a wooden spoon to release mint flavor, or gently shake the pitcher if it’s sealable.
Create a drink station with the pitcher of concentrate, club soda, mint for garnish, ice, glasses, and clearly labeled instructions for how to pour the drink. Inform your guests about the 2/3 rule for the concentrate and the club soda topper to avoid disaster.
Enjoy!