Refreshing Variations: Adding Cucumber to Your Southside Fizz

The Southside Fizz is a classic cocktail that combines gin, lime, mint, and soda to create a crisp and invigorating drink. If you're looking to elevate this timeless beverage, why not add cucumber? Cucumber adds a cool, refreshing twist that enhances the cocktail's vibrant profile, perfect for a hot summer day or whenever you need a refreshing drink.

Classic Cucumber Southside Fizz

How to make it:

1. Muddle 3–4 cucumber slices with a handful of mint leaves in the bottom of a shaker.
2. Add 50 ml of gin and 25 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice.
3. Add 15 ml of simple syrup (adjust to taste).
4. Fill with ice and shake well.
5. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
6. Top with soda water and stir gently.
7. Garnish with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint.

Tips / Why try it:

• The cucumber adds a subtle, cool undertone that pairs beautifully with mint and lime, making it incredibly refreshing.

Cucumber-Mint Infusion

How to make it:

1. Infuse your gin with cucumber and mint by placing thin cucumber slices and a few mint leaves in 200 ml of gin.
2. Let the mix sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a stronger infusion.
3. Use this infused gin in your usual Southside Fizz recipe.

Tips / Why try it:

• Infusing your gin adds depth and complexity, allowing the cucumber and mint flavors to meld perfectly together.

Cucumber Herb Garden Fizz

How to make it:

1. Muddle 3 slices of cucumber with mint and a few basil leaves for a fresh herbaceous twist.
2. Add 50 ml of gin, 25 ml of lime juice, and 15 ml of simple syrup.
3. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with soda water, stir gently, and garnish with a lime wheel, cucumber slice, or basil sprig.

Tips / Why try it:

• Adding basil gives a slightly peppery note, making this version herb-friendly and complex, perfect for adventurous palettes.

Final Thoughts on Cucumber in Southside Fizz

Adding cucumber to your Southside Fizz not only enhances its refreshing qualities but also opens up new avenues for flavor exploration. Whether you're infusing or muddling, each method offers a unique twist on this beloved classic. Try experimenting with different herbs or adjusting the citrus to find the perfect balance tailored to your taste!