Saturday Cocktailing | The Southside

Sometimes you need something a little sweeter than a martini. More summery than a Manhattan. Less trendy than a mojito. Fancier than a G&T. And for those times, there's the Southside. Apparently the Devon Yacht Club in Amagansett, New York makes a mean one. Never been there to sample their rendition, but this a drink that's simple enough to make on your own. The key is the fresh mint sprigs and the fresh lime juice (Rose's just doesn't cut it). Here's the recipe:

2 ounces gin (or vodka, if you must)
3/4 oz simple syrup
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
3 large mint leaves
3 drops cocktail bitters (Angostura is fine)

Frost a cocktail glass by putting ice cubes and cold water in the glass, and letting it sit while you make the drink. Place the mint leaves in the cocktail shaker and press them with the back of a spoon to release the essential oils. (You don't have to pulverize them; a few presses will do.) Fill the shaker with ice and add the gin, simple syrup, lime juice, and bitters. Shake until the outside of the shaker gets all frosty. Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an extra mint sprig or a lime wedge. Enjoy, preferably by the pool, with good friends and good music.