South Side Cocktail (Classic Gin & Mint) | CookOS

South Side Cocktail

Name: South Side Cocktail (Classic Gin & Mint)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 Squeezed Juice of a Lemon; 1/2 tbsp(s) Powdered Sugar; 2 sprig Fresh Mint; 1 jigger Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin

The South Side is a refreshing gin cocktail built on fresh mint, tart lemon juice, and powdered sugar—a brighter, herbaceous spin on the traditional sour that's perfect for warm weather.

🏷️Equipment: cocktail glass

Total

5 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$11–$18

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston DeLuxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

1/2 Squeezed Juice of a Lemon
1/2 tbsp(s) Powdered Sugar

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2 sprig Fresh Mint

1 jigger Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin

4 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Shake well with cracked ice and
2
strain into 3 oz.
3
Cocktail glass.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Gently slap or clap the mint sprig between your hands before adding to the shaker to release essential oils without bruising the leaves into bitterness.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and shake with ice for at least 10 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink.
Don't muddle the mint aggressively; a light tap during shaking is sufficient.
Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass for best presentation and temperature retention.

Substitutions

Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → any London Dry gin (Tanqueray, Beefeater, Gordon's)
Powdered Sugar → 1/2 tbsp simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, cooled)
Fresh Mint → basil or tarragon (changes profile but maintains herbal freshness)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger · bar strainer

Common Questions

Can I make a South Side without fresh mint?

Fresh mint is essential to the drink's identity. Dried mint or mint extract won't deliver the same bright, aromatic quality.

Should I shake or stir a South Side?

Shake vigorously with ice. The mint needs to be gently crushed during shaking to release oils without becoming bitter.

What type of gin works best?

London Dry gin is traditional and balances well with mint and lemon. Avoid heavily botanical gins that compete with the mint.

Can I batch this cocktail ahead?

Prepare the lemon juice and simple syrup (powdered sugar dissolved in small amount of water) in advance, but shake with gin, mint, and ice just before serving.