Southside Fizz
A timeless and refreshing cocktail that elegantly marries the botanical complexities of gin with the bright, aromatic notes of fresh mint and citrus, all lifted by the effervescence of soda water.
15%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
collins
Glass
History & Heritage
“The true origin of the Southside Fizz is debated between Prohibition-era Chicago and the elite Southside Sportsmen's Club on Long Island. The most credible theory traces the drink to the wealthy New Yorkers' retreat, with the first documented recipe appearing in Hugo Ensslin's 1917 'Recipes for Mixed Drinks.' While the Al Capone story is romantic, historical evidence points towards the Long Island origins, with the cocktail becoming a staple during the craft cocktail renaissance of the early 21st century.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a highball or Collins glass by filling it with ice and water
In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup to release essential oils
Add the gin and fresh lime juice to the shaker
Fill the shaker with high-quality ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-chilled
Empty the chilling ice from the glass and fill it with fresh, clear ice
Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass to remove mint fragments
Top with the chilled soda water
Garnish with a vibrant, fresh mint sprig
Glassware
Served tall in a highball or Collins glass with fresh ice
Garnish
Fresh mint sprig, gently spanked to release aromatics
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use high-quality London Dry gin with balanced botanical profile
Freshly squeezed lime juice is non-negotiable for vibrant flavor
Gentle muddling prevents bitter chlorophyll extraction
Double-strain to remove all mint particles
Keep all ingredients ice-cold for optimal refreshment
Never shake with soda water - add it at the end
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Southside Fizz.
Lemon Southside Fizz
Uses lemon juice instead of lime, following some classic recipes.
Changes
Split Citrus Fizz
Combines both lemon and lime juice for complex acidity.
Changes
Southside Royale
Tops with Champagne instead of soda for luxurious sparkle.
Changes
Eastside Fizz
Adds muddled cucumber for refreshing vegetal notes.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Southside Rickey
A sublime marriage of gin, mint, and lime lengthened with club soda. The effervescent intersection of the Southside and Gin Rickey.
Southside
Gin, lime, mint, and simple syrup. Chicago's answer to the mojito.
Virgin Mojito
All the mint-lime sparkle of a Mojito minus the rum, a staple of modern mocktail menus.