This cocktail is an Employees Only variation of the famous South Side cocktail (page 130), 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. God only knows how many West Sides we have pushed over the bar in the last five years. It is by far the most popular cocktail served at Employees Only and lends itself naturally to being enjoyed in the sun. Why is this cocktail so popular? Even if we ignore the fact that it is a vodka cocktail and the fact that we are witnessing the end of the reign of vodka, the simplicity of a cocktail with just lemon and mint flavors makes it addictive and refreshing. It will definitely be a favorite at any cocktail party, served over ice or in pitchers.

　　

Ingredients

makes 1 drink

　　2 ounces Charbay Meyer lemon vodka

　　1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

　　1/2 ounce simple syrup (page 154)

　　3-finger pinch fresh mint leaves

　　1 splash club soda

　　

Step 1

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.

　　

tasting notes

Step 2

Dominant Flavors: citrus blast

　　

Step 3

Body: crisp, slightly effervescent

　　

Step 4

Dryness: medium to dry

　　

Step 5

Complexity: low

　　

Step 6

Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: mint and Meyer lemon rind make this cocktail sing

　　

Step 7

Finish: short, clean, crisp

　　

Step 8

Glass: cocktail

　　Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.