American Vodka

Place 30g granulated sugar and 30ml filtered water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until sugar fully dissolves, no graininess remains, and the liquid is completely clear. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.

Add the cooled simple syrup, 8g fresh mint leaves, and 45ml fresh lime juice to the bottom of a 1.5L glass pitcher. Gently press the mint leaves 4-5 times with a wooden cocktail muddler to release aromatic oils; do not over-muddle, as crushing mint stems creates bitter, grassy flavors.

Pour 240ml American corn-based vodka into the pitcher with the mint and lime mixture. Stir once with a long bar spoon to combine, then add 250g (2 cups) of ice cubes to the pitcher. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes, until the liquid feels cold to the touch.

While the vodka mixture chills, arrange four 12-oz highball glasses on a serving surface. Add 60g (1/2 cup) of ice cubes to each glass, then tuck one thin lime wheel against the inner wall of each glass so the bright green rind is visible through the clear glass.

Remove the chilled pitcher from the refrigerator, slowly pour 360ml ice-cold club soda down the inner side of the pitcher, and stir once very gently to retain as much carbonation as possible. Do not stir vigorously, as this will cause the soda to go flat quickly.

Pour the finished drink evenly into the four prepared highball glasses, making sure to distribute a few bruised mint leaves into each serving for extra aroma. Serve immediately, with no extra stirring needed.