The Southside is a classic cocktail that is believed to have been created in the 1800s and named for Southside Sportsmen’s Club in Long Island, New York. According to historians, the bar was a popular spot for rich men who traveled to the island from the city to hunt, fish, and drink, and it’s believed that minty cocktails, including this one made with dry gin, citrus, simple syrup, and mint, were the most popular ones at the time.
Add mint leaves and simple syrup to a shaker.
Using a muddler, gently muddle mint leaves in simple syrup for 5-7 seconds.
Add gin, lime juice, and orange bitters to shaker.
Fill shaker with cubed ice.
Shake for 10-20 seconds.
Using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer, strain into a coupe glass.