The Southside is the classic case for keeping it simple. Gin, lime, sugar, fresh mint. Shaken hard and served brutally cold in a chilled Nick and Nora glass.
Our version uses Naught Overproof Gin (57.4% ABV), which gives the drink the spine it needs to stand up to the mint and lime without losing the gin character.
INGREDIENTS:
- 50ml Naught Overproof Gin
- 20ml Fresh Lime Juice
- 20ml Semi-Rich Sugar Syrup
- 2 Fresh Mint Leaves
GARNISH:
- Mint Leaf
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake hard for 15 seconds to chill and lightly break up the mint. Double-strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass.
To finish, float a fresh mint leaf on top.
Why Overproof gin works here
The Southside is built on bright, sharp flavours: lime, mint, sugar. A standard 40% gin can get steamrolled. Naught Overproof Gin (57.4% ABV) was made for exactly this kind of cocktail, with the structure to hold its shape against assertive other ingredients. The result is a cocktail with a real backbone, not just a flavoured lime drink.
You'll also love
- Eastside, the cucumber-and-mint variation, with Overproof.
- Gin Fizz, the bright, bubbly Overproof classic.
- Charlie Chaplin, a classic American sour with fruit gin, apricot brandy, and lime.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Southside cocktail?
The Southside is a classic gin sour made with gin, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, and fresh mint. Shaken with ice and served in a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass. It's one of the great Prohibition-era cocktails and a staple of any serious cocktail bar.
What gin works best in a Southside?
A bright, structured gin with a touch of power. Naught Overproof Gin at 57.4% ABV is ideal because the higher proof gives the cocktail a backbone the mint and lime can't bully. A standard London Dry works too but produces a softer, less assertive drink.
How is a Southside different from a Mojito?
A Mojito uses rum, soda water and is served long over ice. A Southside uses gin, no soda, and is shaken and strained into a chilled glass. Same mint and lime base, completely different drink.
How is a Southside different from a Mint Julep?
A Mint Julep uses bourbon and is built (not shaken) over crushed ice in a julep cup. A Southside uses gin, is shaken hard, and is served up without ice. Both lean on mint, but the technique and base spirit are quite different.
Can I use regular Naught Australian Dry Gin instead?
Yes. The cocktail will be softer and more aromatic, with the wattle seed and macadamia coming through more clearly. We prefer Overproof because the mint and lime push hard, but Australian Dry is a legitimate and lovely alternative.
