Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.75 oz simple syrup
  • 10 large fresh mint leaves
  • 2 oz club soda
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • 1 sprig fresh mint
  • 1 lime wheel

Instructions:

  1. Place 10 large fresh mint leaves and 0.75 oz simple syrup in a sturdy highball glass. Note: Adding the syrup first helps protect the mint leaves from being torn.
  2. Press the mint 4-5 times with a muddler until the room smells strongly of menthol. Do not grind them into a paste.
  3. Pour in 1 oz fresh lime juice. Note: Freshly squeezed juice is non negotiable for the right acidity.
  4. Add 2 oz white rum to the glass.
  5. Fill the glass about halfway with 1 cup crushed ice.
  6. Stir the mixture with a long spoon for 10 seconds until the glass feels cold to the touch.
  7. Add the remaining crushed ice, leaving an inch of space at the top.
  8. Top with 2 oz club soda until the bubbles reach the rim.
  9. Give it one very gentle lift with the spoon to incorporate the soda without killing the fizz.
  10. Slap the 1 sprig fresh mint between your hands and tuck it into the ice next to the 1 lime wheel.