South Side Recipes

Steps:

• Combine the gin, lime juice, simple syrup and mint sprig in a shaker. Add some ice cubes and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with one mint leaf, smacked to release the oils, floating on top of the cocktail.

Steps:

• Simple Syrup: Heat sugar and water in saucepan over low flame until sugar is completely dissolved. (Simple syrup can be stored in sealed container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.)
• In a mixing glass, gently muddle mint leaves, vodka or gin, simple syrup and lemon juice. Add ice. Shake all ingredients well and, using a spring strainer, pour into a pint glass filled with fresh ice. Top with club soda and garnish with fresh mint leaves and lime wheels.

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until frosted on the outside. Double strain into a coupe. Garnish with a mint leaf.
• Variations
• For an East Side, muddle a few cucumber slices with the mint and garnish with a fresh cucumber slice.
• Substitute vodka or tequila for the gin.
• Serve in a highball glass over fresh ice and top with club soda.
• Add 1-2 dashes of absinthe to make the French Pearl cocktail.