The South Side cocktail, a refreshing mix of gin, lemon juice, mint, and simple syrup, has a hazy history that continues to mystify many. Ask various bartenders from where the cocktail sprung up, and you may find each has a differing tale to tell.

One popular narrative paints the South Side as the beverage of choice in speakeasies during the Prohibition era, with speculation that the notorious gangster Al Capone played a role in its inception. Another story credits its creation to the 21 Club in New York City, where it was dubbed the house drink. However, both stories appear to be little more than urban legends.

Eric Felten, in his contributions to The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, points to a more convincing origin story. According to him, the cocktail's journey started at the Southside Sportsman’s Club in Long Island, New York. It reportedly began to gain recognition as the club's own version of a Mint Julep. The affluent patrons of the club carried its fame far and wide, asking other bars to mix them the same drink. It was first mentioned in print form in Hugo Ensslin’s cocktail guide, 'Recipes for Mixed Drinks', which was published in 1917. This predates both the Prohibition era and the rise of Al Capone in Chicago. Post this, it became a preferred choice among wealthy country club regulars and sports enthusiasts.

The South Side's structural similarity to other classic cocktails cannot be ignored. Its recipe that combines a spirit with citrus juice and sugar categories it under the ageless and adaptable cocktail class, the sour. This concept has helped shape timeless favorites like the Daiquiri, Tommy’s Margarita, and the Gin Sour.

Part of the appeal lies in its well-balanced taste. These ingredients come together harmoniously in the South Side. The strong bite of the gin is softened by the sweet simple syrup, while the sharpness of the lemon juice offsets the sweetness. The addition of mint not only lends a fresh herbal note that marries well with the botanical character of the gin but also renders a refreshing burst to the South Side. The result - A bright, minty concoction that is apt for an afternoon at the country club.

Here's how you can recreate this classic cocktail: You will need 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 ounce of simple syrup, 5-8 mint leaves, and a sprig of mint for garnish. Combine all the ingredients, barring the garnish, in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake energetically for approximately 15–20 seconds, letting the ice muddle the mint in the process. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Add a celebrated finish with a sprig of mint, floating it in the cocktail, and serve.