The South Side Rickey is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that combines the best elements of the classic South Side and a traditional Gin Rickey. It’s a perfect choice for a warm day or any occasion when you’re looking for a light and zesty drink. This cocktail is essentially a gin-based Mojito with a splash of soda, offering a balanced mix of sweet, sour, and herbaceous flavors.
History and Origins
The origins of the South Side cocktail itself are somewhat murky, with several compelling theories. One popular theory suggests it was created in the South Side of Chicago during Prohibition, where Al Capone’s gang smuggled in harsh gin. Bartenders added citrus, sugar, and mint to mask the liquor’s imperfections and make it palatable. This led to the creation of the now-famous drink.
Another account suggests the South Side was invented at the end of the 19th century at the South Side Sportsmen’s Club in Long Island, a prestigious club frequented by the elite, including Ulysses S. Grant and W.K. Vanderbilt. A third theory traces it to Manhattan’s 21 Club, a speakeasy during Prohibition.
The Gin Rickey, on the other hand, is a simpler drink dating back to pre-Prohibition times. It traditionally consists of just gin, lime juice, and club soda, without any added sugar. The South Side Rickey merges these two concepts, incorporating the mint and sugar of the South Side with the bubbly nature of the Rickey.
The South Side Rickey Recipe
Here’s a recipe that is easy to follow:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz London Dry Gin
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- 5-7 Fresh Mint Leaves
- 1½ oz Club Soda
- 2 Dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters (optional)
- Garnish: Lime Wedge and Mint Sprigs
Instructions:
- Muddle Mint: Gently muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can release bitter compounds.
- Add Ingredients: Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Double strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice. Using a fine mesh strainer will help remove any small bits of mint.
- Top with Soda: Top with club soda.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lime wedge and a few fresh mint sprigs.
- Add Bitters (optional): For a slightly more complex flavor and added color, add 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters on top.
Variations on the South Side Rickey
While the above recipe is a classic starting point, there are many ways to customize your South Side Rickey. Here are a few popular variations:
South Side Fizz
To make a South Side Fizz, simply serve the classic South Side over ice in a tall glass and top it with soda water. This is essentially the South Side Rickey but may not include the bitters. This version lengthens the drink, making it even more refreshing and perfect for hot weather.
South Side Royale
For a more celebratory twist, replace the club soda with sparkling wine such as Prosecco or Champagne. This variation, known as the South Side Royale, adds a touch of elegance and potency. You may want to scale back the gin slightly (to 1 oz) to prevent the drink from becoming too boozy.
Citrus Variations
While lime juice is the predominant choice in a South Side Rickey, some prefer to use lemon juice. Using lemon juice instead of lime will give you a different taste profile. It will taste more like a minty Tom Collins, while lime will give you a flavor more similar to a Mojito. Feel free to experiment with both and see which you prefer. You can also use a mix of both lemon and lime juice to add another layer of complexity.
Fruit Variations
You can also experiment with adding fresh fruits to your South Side Rickey for unique flavor twists. Some popular options include blueberries, raspberries, or even muddled grilled pineapple.
Tips for the Perfect South Side Rickey
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh mint leaves for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice, as it can taste artificial.
- Muddle Gently: When muddling the mint, be gentle. Over-muddling can release bitter compounds and ruin the drink.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with less and add more to taste.
- Quality Gin: The quality of the gin will significantly impact the taste of the cocktail. Opt for a good quality London Dry Gin for the best results.
- Chill Your Glassware: If possible, chill your Collins glass before serving to keep your drink colder for longer.
Why the South Side Rickey is a Great Choice
The South Side Rickey is an excellent cocktail for several reasons:
- Refreshing: The combination of gin, lime, mint, and club soda creates a very refreshing drink, perfect for warm weather.
- Balanced Flavors: The balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes makes it a very enjoyable drink.
- Versatile: The cocktail is very adaptable, with many variations to suit different tastes.
- Easy to Make: It’s a relatively simple drink to make at home with just a few basic ingredients.
- Historical Significance: Enjoying a South Side Rickey allows you to connect with a bit of cocktail history, whether from the Prohibition era or earlier.
In conclusion, the South Side Rickey is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves refreshing, well-balanced drinks. Its blend of gin, citrus, mint, and soda makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, you’re sure to enjoy this timeless cocktail.
