Place the fresh mint leaves into the tall glass and add the simple syrup or sugar syrup. Use a muddler to gently press down and twist the mint leaves until fragrant and slightly bruised, releasing their essential oils. Observe the green tint and aroma releasing from the mint.
10-12 leaves fresh mint, 0.5 oz simple syrup or sugar syrup
Fill the glass with crushed ice, packing it to the top. Use an ice crusher or traditional method to finely crush ice, ensuring a snowy, compact consistency that chills quickly and provides a solid base for the cocktail.
Crushed ice
Pour the bourbon whiskey over the crushed ice using a measuring jigger for precision. Add the liquor slowly so it integrates smoothly with the ice and mint aromatic oils.
2 oz bourbon whiskey
Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for about 10-15 seconds until well combined and chilled. Look for a uniform, translucent golden color with visible mint leaves suspended throughout.
2 oz bourbon whiskey, Crushed ice
Garnish the drink by placing a sprig of fresh mint on top and optionally a thin lemon or lime wedge on the rim. The final appearance should be vibrant green with a slight frost from the crushed ice, inviting and refreshing.
Garnish fresh mint sprig
