West Side
by Dushan Zaric, Jason Kosmas
This cocktail is an Employees Only variation of the famous South Side cocktail, first served in the 1920s at the New York speakeasy Jack & Charlie's--now known as the 21 Club. We replaced the gin with Meyer lemon-infused vodka to achieve a more balanced, subtler concoction. It is by far the most popular cocktail served at Employees Only and lends itself naturally to being enjoyed in the sun.
Serves 1
2 fl. oz. Charbay Meyer lemon vodka
1 fl. oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 fl. oz. simple syrup
3-finger pinch fresh mint leaves
1 splash club soda
Put the vodka, juice, syrup, and mint in a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes and shake vigorously. Open the shaker and add the club soda. Use a julep strainer to strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
photo: John Kernick © 2010
November 10, 2010
Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: Classic Cocktails Reimagined, from New York's Employees Only Bar by Jason Kosmas & Dushan Zaric, copyright © 2010. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, Inc.
