To make a Southside in Baltimore, you will need a few key ingredients: gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves. This classic cocktail is refreshing and perfect for those warm summer days or anytime you're in the mood for a citrusy and herbaceous drink.
First, let's start with the gin. Choose a high-quality gin that suits your taste preferences. London dry gins work well for this cocktail, but feel free to experiment with different styles to find your favorite. The botanical flavors in gin will contribute to the overall complexity of the drink.
Next, you'll need fresh lime juice. Squeeze the juice from a few limes to ensure the bright and zesty flavors are captured in your cocktail. Freshly squeezed juice will always give a superior taste compared to bottled or pre-packaged alternatives.
Simple syrup is a common ingredient in many cocktails, and it's easy to make. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool before using. Simple syrup adds sweetness to the cocktail without overpowering the other flavors.
Now, let's talk about the mint leaves. Mint is a crucial component of the Southside cocktail, providing a refreshing and aromatic element. Take a handful of fresh mint leaves and gently muddle them in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Muddling helps release the essential oils and flavors from the mint leaves.
Once your mint leaves are muddled, add about 2 ounces of gin to the mixing glass or shaker. Follow this with 3/4 ounce of lime juice and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup. Fill the glass or shaker with ice and shake vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and chilled.
After shaking, strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. You can double strain it if you prefer a smoother texture by using a fine-mesh strainer in addition to the shaker's built-in strainer. This will help remove any small mint leaf fragments or ice chips.
To garnish your Southside, take a sprig of fresh mint and gently slap it between your hands to release its aroma. Place the mint sprig in the glass, allowing it to float on top of the cocktail. This not only adds a visual element but also enhances the minty fragrance with every sip.
Now that you have your Southside in Baltimore, sit back, relax, and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this classic cocktail. Cheers!