Southside Gimlet with Fresh Mint and Lime

How to Make Southside Gimlet with Fresh Mint and Lime

1. 1

   Step 1: Muddle mint with lime and syrup

   In a cocktail shaker, combine the fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup. Gently muddle 6–8 times—press just enough to bruise the leaves and release oils without shredding them, which can make the drink bitter.

   For this step

   • 1 1/2 fl ozFresh lime juice
   • 1 fl ozSimple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
   • 12 leavesFresh mint leaves (medium-sized)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Add gin and ice, then shake

   Add the gin to the shaker, fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice, and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled. A good shake chills and slightly dilutes the drink for balance.

   For this step

   • 4 fl ozGin
   • 1 1/2 cupsIce (for shaking and serving)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Strain into chilled glass

   Fine-strain the mixture through a Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer into two chilled coupe glasses or into two rocks glasses over fresh ice, depending on preference. Fine-straining removes tiny mint bits for a smoother sip.
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Top and garnish

   If desired, top each cocktail with about 1 oz (30–60 ml total across both drinks) of club soda for a light spritz. Slap a mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and garnish each glass. Serve immediately.

   For this step

   • 2 fl ozClub soda (optional, for a spritz)
   • 2 sprigsMint sprigs (for garnish)
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Adjust and enjoy

   Taste and adjust: add an extra splash of simple syrup if you prefer sweeter, or a touch more lime for brightness. This recipe yields 2 cocktails—ideal for sharing.
   

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup. Gently muddle 6–8 times—press just enough to bruise the leaves and release oils without shredding them, which can make the drink bitter.
2. Add the gin to the shaker, fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice, and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled. A good shake chills and slightly dilutes the drink for balance.
3. Fine-strain the mixture through a Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer into two chilled coupe glasses or into two rocks glasses over fresh ice, depending on preference. Fine-straining removes tiny mint bits for a smoother sip.
4. If desired, top each cocktail with about 1 oz (30–60 ml total across both drinks) of club soda for a light spritz. Slap a mint sprig between your palms to release aroma and garnish each glass. Serve immediately.
5. Taste and adjust: add an extra splash of simple syrup if you prefer sweeter, or a touch more lime for brightness. This recipe yields 2 cocktails—ideal for sharing.