Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup sparkling water
  • 2 cups crushed ice
  • 6 fresh mint sprigs
  • 2 thin lime wheels

Instructions:

  1. Combine water and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until integrated and beginning to simmer.
  2. Remove from heat immediately, stir in the mint leaves, and let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar and let cool.
  3. Place 2-3 fresh mint leaves in the bottom of each glass and muddle gently 3-4 times to release aromatic oils without shredding the leaves.
  4. Pour 2 tablespoons of the cooled mint syrup and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice over the muddled mint.
  5. Fill the glass to the brim with crushed ice and stir from the bottom up until the glass looks frosty.
  6. Top each glass with sparkling water, pouring slowly down the side. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.