South-Side Cocktail (Classic Gin Sour)

Pro tips

• Chill your glass first by filling it with ice while you prepare the drink; discard the ice before pouring.
• Shake with fresh ice for at least 10 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail—under-shaking results in a warm, overly strong drink.
• Squeeze lemon juice fresh from the fruit; measure 1/2 oz (roughly half a medium lemon) for the best balance of tartness.
• Taste for balance: if too tart, add a pinch more powdered sugar; if too sweet, add a few drops of lemon juice.

Substitutions

• Powdered sugar → simple syrup, 1/2 tsp (dissolves faster, slightly less texture)
• Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → any quality London dry gin (Beefeater, Tanqueray)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served immediately after shaking. Pre-mixed batches lose carbonation and proper chill within 30 minutes.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring cup · bar spoon or long spoon · Hawthorne strainer

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?

Yes, fresh lemon juice is preferred and will produce a brighter, more complex flavor than bottled juice.

What type of gin works best?

A dry gin like Old Mr. Boston works well; choose a gin with botanicals you enjoy, as it will be the dominant spirit.

Should I shake or stir this cocktail?

Shake vigorously with ice for 10–15 seconds to chill, dilute, and emulsify the ingredients, then strain into a glass.

Can I make this ahead?

Mix the gin, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in advance, but shake with ice and serve immediately for best flavor and temperature.

What's the difference between a gin sour and a whiskey sour?

The only difference is the base spirit—gin sours use gin while whiskey sours use whiskey; the technique and ratios are identical.