While the gimlet is the signature cocktail for our signature Applewood Gin, it can oft leave a lot to be desired, as it is quite a simple cocktail of gin, lime and sugar - but adding an element of freshness can take it to another level. Enter the Southside, pretty much the exact same recipe as your classic gimlet except with the addition of a few mint leaves, but the story behind the drink itself adds an extra layer of interest. While the Gimlet has been an iconic cocktail for centuries, the Southside we know today was born out of Prohibition in New York City, but the more notorious story is linked to Chicago and the legendary gangster Al Capone. As the story goes, the Southside mobsters of Chicago of Al "Scarface" Capone's gang were big drinkers of a long version with a splash of soda for extra refreshment, while their competitors on the Northside loved a concoction of Gin & Ginger ale.
The romance of that story is potent, as is the deliciousness of the cocktail itself, but there are many ways to vastly amplify the level of complexity of a simple gimlet, which is what the Southside articulates perfectly. Subbing out mint for native Australian Rivermint makes an alternative we love called the Riverside. Adding a bit of cucumber takes that refreshment even further with an Eastside. Add a bit of soda on all of those gives you a Gin Rickey! The proverbial cat can be skinned many ways, and you can take these ideas to a wide range of cocktails! Experimentation can lead to absolutely delicious results.
the southside
60ml australian gin
30ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
2-3 mint leaves
add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake and double strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a mint leaf.
the eastside
60ml australian gin
30ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
2-3 mint leaves
4-5 rounds of cucumber
add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake and double strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a mint leaf and round of cucumber.
the eastside rickey
60ml australian gin
30ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
2-3 mint leaves
4-5 rounds of cucumber
soda
add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake and double strain into a tumbler filled crushed ice. top with soda and garnish with a mint leaf and round of cucumber.
