On 17 January 1920, Alphonse Gabriel Capone, known simply as Al Capone, turned 21 and was already a gangster. On the same day, the US government declared that the sale, production and transportation of alcohol was illegal in the country. It was the beginning of Prohibition. The intention was to reduce alcohol consumption, but the law’s failure soon became evident because people continued to drink, and even more than before.
A Fight Between Zones
Secret clubs were opened, often run by organised crime, where people revelled in nights of alcohol, smoking, gambling and jazz music. Al Capone knew these establishments very well. By early 1925 he had become the undisputed leader of the gang controlling Chicago’s South Side, and speakeasies made him a fortune. The gin smuggled in from Canada wasn’t exactly top quality.
To Al Capone’s chagrin, the gin of his rivals – who ran Chicago’s North Side with equally criminal methods – had a superior taste. The North Side Mob could afford to add a dash of ginger ale and satisfy the customers crowding their bars. Al Capone, meanwhile, had to remedy the overly rough notes of his own product.
The Birth of The South Side cocktail
He was aided by the old recipe books that had fallen into disuse because of Prohibition. They told of the Gin Rickey, made with gin, lime juice and sparkling water. The South Side bartenders added some sugar syrup and hey presto, the job was done: customers liked it and everyone was happy. The South Side was born (also spelled Southside as one word). Legend has it that it became the favourite cocktail of Al Capone and his henchmen, whether out of local patriotism or because it really could rival the competition’s drink.
The Recipe
Countless rounds later, on 5 December 1933, the ratification of the 21st Amendment put an end to Prohibition. By then, Al Capone was in jail for tax evasion and his South Side disappeared from the scene. The cocktail would be rediscovered years later, obviously prepared using a certified quality gin.
Ingredients
- 60 ml dry gin
- 30 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- 5-6 mint leaves
Method
Take a shaker, add ice cubes and all the ingredients. Shake for a few seconds and strain into a previously chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish
A sprig of mint.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Photo by Alberto Blasetti, location Nite Kong, all rights reserved
