Start with Fresh Mint Always use fresh mint leaves for that authentic aroma and cooling sensation. Gently tear the leaves to release their natural oils.
Use Real Lime Juice Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the drink its signature tang. Avoid bottled lime juice for the best flavor.
Muddle, Don’t Mash In a sturdy glass, gently muddle the mint and lime juice with sugar. Don’t mash it into a pulp—just enough to release the oils and mix the sugar.
Choose Quality White Rum Go for a light white rum. Havana Club or Bacardi are popular choices that keep the flavor clean and crisp.
Add Crushed Ice Generously Fill the glass with crushed ice for a proper chill and dilution balance.
Top with Club Soda Add fizzy club soda to lighten the drink and give it that refreshing sparkle.
Stir Gently Use a spoon or straw to mix everything together without breaking the mint leaves.
Garnish Like a Pro Add a mint sprig and lime wheel on top for visual flair and extra scent.