Ingredients:

  • 10-12 fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp simple syrup
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup chilled ginger ale
  • 2 cups crushed ice
  • 1 fresh mint sprig
  • 1 lemon wheel

Instructions:

  1. Place the fresh mint leaves, simple syrup, and lemon juice in the bottom of your glass. Note: Make sure the mint is washed and patted dry.
  2. Use a muddler to gently press the leaves 4-5 times until you smell the fresh mint aroma. Note: Do not shred the leaves; you just want to release the oils, not make a paste.
  3. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice.
  4. Stir vigorously with a long spoon for about 10 seconds until the outside of the glass begins to frost over.
  5. Top the glass with the remaining crushed ice, packing it down firmly with your spoon until it forms a rounded dome over the rim.
  6. Slowly pour the chilled ginger ale over the top of the ice. Note: Pour slowly so the bubbles don't overflow.
  7. Garnish the ice mound with a fresh sprig of mint and a lemon wheel.
  8. Gently stir once from the bottom to incorporate the syrup until the color is consistent throughout the glass.