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Our version of the Southside cocktail, the “Southbeach” Fizz, is a deliciously refreshing drink that combines Miami gin, mint, homemade mint simple syrup and lime juice. It is then topped off with club soda to give it some sparkle. If you like gin and you like Mojitos, then this is the cocktail for you!
The colorful history of the Southside cocktail is subject to debate. Some argue that it is named after a men’s club on the south side of Long Island. A more intriguing origin story suggests it was invented during prohibition in Chicago. Al Capone controlled the south side of Chicago and was responsible for smuggling bootleg gin into the city. Unfortunately, the quality of this Gin was poor, so to hide the taste it was mixed with plenty of mint and citrus. Therefore, maybe we have organized crime to thank for the Southside cocktail!
Whatever you believe of its origins, we give the classic Southside recipe a Florida spin by using local Miami gin, our homemade mint simple syrup and fresh Key lime juice. As the gin is from Miami, the “Southside” Fizz becomes the “Southbeach” Fizz in honor of SOBE. Support local and enjoy your Southbeach Fizz.
What Ingredients Do I Need?
The Gin: Use a dry gin that can stand up to the rest of the big flavors in this cocktail. We use Magic City Gin from Big Cypress Distillery in Miami. This is a gem of a gin that has plenty of the usual juniper and citrus that you would expect, but also brings in a note of vanilla-marzipan that plays delightfully with the mint. FYI It is also fantastic in a gin and tonic!
Recommended Florida Gin:
Get Magic City Gin delivered by DRIZLY. Click and use code DRIZLYDEAL for $5 off of your first order.
The Citrus:
Fresh Lime: Buy a citrus press. It is a game changer. You get a lot more juice out of your lemons and limes, you don’t have to worry about seeds, and you cut down on the mess of squeezing with your hands. We use a Zulay citrus press which has the added bonus of being a two in one design so it handles both lemons and limes with equally perfect results.
Recommended Lime Juicer: ZULAY Premium Citrus Press
Bottled: Always try to use fresh, but If you prefer to have bottled lime juice at the ready, then Nellie & Joes: Key West Lime Juice is the undisputed queen/king of lime juice.
Recommended Lime Juice: NELLY & JOE’S Key West Lime Juice, 16 oz
The Sweetener:
Use our homemade mint simple syrup to really accentuate the minty-ness of this recipe. You can use plain simple syrup but be sure to add a lot more fresh mint leaves when you shake.
The Garnish: Either a lime wheel or a sprig of mint. Or heck if you’re feeling like it then why not both?
What Equipment Should I Use?
The Glass: This will depend on personal preference and what kind of drinking mood you are in. If you are grilling out with friends and want a refreshing afternoon drink, then go far a highball glass. Serve it over ice and use plenty of club soda. Alternatively if you want it as a boozier evening sipper, serve it in a chilled coupe glass and only use a splash of club soda.
Recommended highball glass: GODINGER Highball Glasses, Set of 4
Recommended coupe glass: LUMINARC Coupe Glass, Set of 4
Shaken or Stirred: For cocktail recipes that contain citrus juice it is always best to shake them to ensure they are properly mixed, ice cold and refreshing.
Recommended cocktail shaker: GODINGER Crystal Cocktail Shaker
Straight up or on the rocks: As mentioned before this will depend on your mood and setting. If you want a longer drink, then serve over ice with plenty of club soda. If you want a punchier version for evening sipping then serve it straight up in a chilled glass.
Strainer: As this recipe calls for mint leaves you will need a fine mesh strainer to make sure no pieces of mint end up in your cocktail. A mini cocktail strainer works best and there are plenty of options on Amazon to cover all your straining needs.
Recommended Strainer: MAKERSTEP Stainless Steel Mesh Strainers (Set of 3)
We hope you enjoy our Southbeach Fizz recipe below, and as always drink local and drink responsibly. Cheers!
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Southside Fizz (Southbeach Fizz) Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Florida Gin
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 3/4 oz Homemade Mint Simple Syrup
- 1 sprig of mint
- Club Soda
Instructions
- Step 1: Add Gin, Lime Juice, Mint Simple Syrup and a sprig of mint to a shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds
- Step 2a: If you're making this a short drink then strain straight into a chilled coupe glass and top with a splash of club soda.
- or
- Step 2b: If you're making this a long drink then strain into a highball glass filled with ice and then top with plenty of club soda.
Notes
Tips
Straining: Depending on how fine the strainer is on your cocktail shaker you may need to strain through a fine mesh strainer in order to remove any rogue pieces of mint leaves.
Other Florida Cocktail Recipes To Try:
Orange Old Fashioned (Old Fashioned Floridian)
