It's Southside time
Sad fact: I've lived in Baltimore City for three years and not once in all that time have I had a Southside.
Ever heard of a Southside?
It used to be a country club drink, made with an icy blend of rum, club soda, mint and magic -- depending on who was behind the bar.
These days, you can buy the mix at various places around town and add your own liquor at home.
But in all my time and travels in Baltimore, I've yet to slurp down a Southside.
That's gonna change tonight folks, thanks to my roommate Patchen ...
Patchen got his paws on two bottles of George Lee's Original Southside Mix.
Lee is the grand-pappy of Southside makers. Dude must be close to 90 by this point, if he's not dead yet.
And, if truth be told, he makes the best Southside mix money can buy.
Sells it out of his house, too, I hear.
So tonight, we're gonna have a taste or two of Mr. Lee's legacy.
Thing is, I'm not entirely sure what to add to it, in terms of liquor. Amaretto? Rum? And how much?
Tell me! Tell me! Help!
I'll report back manana.
(Fuzzy cell phone photo sloppily snapped by me)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
there are a bunch of recipes online for it, but none of them are matching up. lots of disputing evidence. good luck sessa, let us know the recipe you imbibe.
Posted by: bill | May 21, 2008 3:53 PM
If I recall properly its equal parts southside mix, rum (or any clear liquor) and, I think, sprite (don't think its ginger ale), shaken, with a spring of mint.
Posted by: Kitkat | May 21, 2008 3:59 PM
If I recall properly its equal parts southside mix, rum (or any clear liquor) and, I think, sprite (don't think its ginger ale), shaken, with a sprig of mint.
Posted by: Kitkat | May 21, 2008 4:00 PM
I take that back - the above recipe is for mojitos, southsides are gin, southside mix, fresh lime juice and club soda.
Posted by: Kitkat | May 21, 2008 4:04 PM
I was going to mention this in my comment about Black Eyed Susan's last week, but it turns out Southsides aren't a b-more original, but rather was popularized up in Long Island.
Traditionally, I've put rum in them, but any light alcohol witll do (gin/vodka)
Posted by: Mather | May 21, 2008 4:05 PM
OK - I have been drinking Southside's for years (and George's mix is good stuff). The exact proportions are always going to be based on one's taste, but basically: Take a large glass or mug, fill it pretty full with ice. My preference is about 40% rum (DARK, not spiced - Mount Gay, Myers, etc.). 25% mix, and 35% club soda. Stir/shake well and enjoy.
Posted by: Cliff | May 21, 2008 4:08 PM
Southsides are awesome. Somebody made them at a wedding reception for me: 3/4 Mount Gay Rum, 1/8 South Side Mix, 1/8 Sprite or Tonic...
Posted by: Saulo | May 21, 2008 4:10 PM
I have always had them with gin. And mint, too...
Posted by: F. Pants McFadden | May 21, 2008 4:37 PM
I'm slightly confused. What's in the MIX? How much? I'd be skeptical of buying a 2 liter bottle of that from Herbert the Pervert.
Posted by: jack | May 21, 2008 7:52 PM
How'd this work out for you?
Posted by: JTK | May 22, 2008 10:08 AM
JTK, gimme an hour and i'll post about it.
Posted by: Sam Sessa | May 22, 2008 11:07 AM
Jack - the "mix" is muddled mint leaves and confectioners sugar in lime juice
Posted by: Kitkat | May 22, 2008 11:31 AM
AMARETTO??? Sam, are you insane?
Posted by: Fairfax | May 22, 2008 4:47 PM
KitKat - thanks, I couldn't understand that you guys are making weird drink variations, sort of a 7&7, but not, sort of a mojito, but not, then I realized it's the mix. WHAT'S IN THE MIX! Now I know and can go to bed.
Posted by: jack | May 22, 2008 6:11 PM
George has been delivering his magic elixir personally over many years to some of our family and friends and has told me personally he likes lots of ice, 1/3 dark rum [Myers], 1/3 mix and 1/3 soda water. Dress it up with a sprig of fresh mint... He would just laugh if someone suggested sprite or ginger ale as that would indeed be an abomination!
Part of the joy of a good Southside is how refreshing they are, so , sure you could powerhouse it with 40% run, but don't -drink an extra drink instead...
If you ever meet him get him to tell the story of how he concocted it in the forties at the Green Spring club and how closely guarded a secret his recipe is. He is quite an affable old guy with a great sense of humor and clearly has seen a lot of living in his time on the planet. You would be astounded to know how many of those little green bottles he goes through in a season!!!
Posted by: Gill Brooks | August 21, 2008 6:54 PM