Absolut Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail, or place it in the freezer for a few minutes.

2. 2

   Muddle mint

   In a cocktail shaker, place the fresh mint leaves and the simple syrup. Gently muddle the mint about 4–6 times to release the oils — do not over-muddle or the mint will become bitter.

3. 3

   Build cocktail

   Add the Absolut vodka, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice (about 3/4 full).

4. 4

   Shake

   Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well chilled and slightly frosted.

5. 5

   Strain

   Discard the ice water from the chilled glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove mint bits and small ice shards.

6. 6

   Optional finish

   If you prefer a slightly longer, lighter drink, top gently with 1 oz club soda poured down the side of the glass to preserve the foam/texture.

7. 7

   Garnish and serve

   Express a lime wheel over the cocktail (squeeze to spray oils), then drop it in or perch on the rim. Add a mint sprig for aroma. Serve immediately.