I have a wonderful old wooden spoon that’s about 2 feet long (I think it must have been used for candy making) and has a thick handle perfect for “muddling” the sugar and mint. But look around your kitchen and you’ll likely find something (shorter!) that will work. To make crushed ice, put ice cubes in a zip-top bag and bang with a wooden meat mallet or other heavy object.

6 to 8 big peppermint or spearmint leaves, plus an extra sprig for garnish
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup apple juice
crushed ice
club soda

Put the mint leaves and the sugar in a tall glass. Crush the mint leaves with the handle of a wooden spoon until the mint is macerated and broken up. (The sugar will have a green tint.) Add the lime juice and stir well. Add the apple juice and a generous amount of crushed ice. Top off with club soda. (Start with a small amount of soda, taste and add more if you like.) Garnish with a mint sprig.

Serves one

-Recipe courtesy of Susie Middleton

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