Classic Mojito

Method

1. 1Prepare the mint garnish and the glass. Take a fresh mint sprig, place it in one palm and clap your hands together firmly — this bruises the leaves just enough to release their aromatic oils without tearing them. Set the sprig aside and keep the highball glass empty: the ice goes in later.
2. 2Muddle the mint in the empty glass. Place the 10 mint leaves in the bottom, add the lime juice and simple syrup. Using a muddler (or the blunt end of a rolling pin, or the handle of a wooden spoon), press gently 3 to 5 times with a twisting motion. You want to bruise the leaves — not pulverise them. Over-muddling releases bitter compounds.
3. 3Add the rum and stir. Pour the white rum over the muddled mint. Stir with a bar spoon for 10–15 seconds to combine. Taste and correct the balance before the ice and soda go in.
4. 4Add ice. Fill the glass to the rim with crushed ice and press it down lightly with the spoon; it chills the drink fast and holds the mint in the middle of the glass.
5. 5Top with soda and garnish. Pour the cold club soda slowly down the side of the glass. Stir gently once from the bottom up to lift the mint. Add the pre-slapped mint sprig upright and the lime wedge. Serve immediately.