Mojito

To muddle is not to press super hard or pulverize. The trick to getting this drink right is to muddle the mint leaves at the bottom of the glass with the simple syrup. With a spoon on the side, or a professional muddler on the bottom, mix the leaves with the syrup and gently press them to release the mint oil. The middle of the leaves is more bitter, and if you go too far, the leaves will shred, leaving your drink with tiny annoying bits of mint in your teeth. Stir in the lime and add the ice so that the mint is trapped underneath. Top with the bubbly soda and give it one gentle stir, trying to keep the mint at the bottom.