Classic Southside Fizz
Refreshing fizz for summer
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces gin see Notes
- 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (~ 3/4 lemon) see Notes
- 2 to 3 ounces chilled seltzer
- For garnish: mint sprig and lemon wheel
Instructions
- Add the mint leaves and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the mint to release its oils.
- Add the gin, lemon juice and ice. Shake for 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a Collins or highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with the chilled club soda and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a mint sprig (lightly slapped between your palms to release its aroma) and a lemon wheel.
Notes
- For a stronger mint flavor, let the mint leaves sit in the simple syrup for a minute before muddling.
- Use a gin that doesn’t compete too much with the mint and lemon such as Tanqueray.
- Before squeezing a lemon, heat it in a microwave for about 20 to 25 seconds and then rub it back and forth on the counter top. This easy two-step process results in more juice per piece of fruit.
Double straining means pouring the cocktail through both the shaker's built-in strainer and a fine-mesh sieve, resulting in a smoother drink free of tiny mint pieces and ice shards. - SIMPLE SYRUP
1 cup (8 ounces) water
1 cup granulated sugar
Bring the water to a simmer in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. Add the sugar and stir until it completely dissolves. Remove the pan from the heat. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Pour the syrup into a clean 1-pint bottle, cap it and refrigerate it until needed. Makes 1-½ cups and keeps two months or longer in the refrigerator.
