Southside Recipe

Many people have an aversion to gin; I think it's sad because gin is an incredibly nuanced, highly drinkable, and totally versatile spirit. Erick Castro, who's the gin ambassador for Beefeater and Plymouth, agrees. "The reason people don't like gin is because the most common gin drinks, the martini and the gin and tonic, don't appeal to everyone." Castro wants to start a gin revolution with this amazing-tasting cocktail, the Southside. This classic concoction is a straightforward mixture of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and mint, and Castro believes it has the power to change the way gin is seen — much in the way the mojito changed people's perspective of rum. After sipping this refreshing, light beverage, I'm getting behind Castro's cause. To do so too, give the drink a try, and get the recipe after the jump.

Southside
From Erick Castro

Ingredients

8 mint leaves
3/4 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces gin
1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Directions

1. Place the mint leaves and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Muddle well.
2. Add the gin and lemon juice and top with ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and enjoy.

Makes 1 drink.

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