Recipe

• 3 mint leaves
• 15ml simple syrup
• 60ml white rum
• 25ml lime juice
• Club soda, to top
• Garnish: mint sprig and lime wheel

Lightly muddle the mint with the simple syrup in a shaker. Add the rum, lime juice and ice, and give it a brief shake. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top with the club soda.

History

The origins of this classic drink can be traced to Cuba and the 16th-century cocktail El Draque. Named for Sir Francis Drake, the English sea captain and explorer who visited Havana in 1586, El Draque was composed of aguardiente (a cane-spirit precursor to rum), lime, mint and sugar. It was supposedly consumed for medicinal purposes, but it’s easy to believe that drinkers enjoyed its flavor and effects.

For Reference

• Lemon Wheel