This takes inspiration in part from a mojito, that bar classic of the late nineties – mint, sugar syrup, lime, rum and soda – and in part from a gimlet, that intense and trad mix of vodka and lime cordial. And frankly, this child outstrips either of its parents. When I gave it to a friend to taste after making it for the first time, I had to fight to get the glass back from her.
1 tablespoon caster sugar
juice of 1 lime
small handful of fresh mint leaves
50ml vodka
a fistful of ice cubes or crushed ice
dash of fizzy mineral water (or to taste)
Spoon the sugar into a large tumbler, squeeze over the lime juice and stir to dissolve. Add the mint leaves and stab away at them in the tumbler with the end of a rolling pin; this is what’s known in the business as ‘muddling’. Add the vodka and ice, swill to mix and then top up with the dash of fizzy water.
Makes 1.