I'm growing two type of mint in my herb garden this year: spearmint, which you'll recognize as the more common type that if usually just labeled "mint" at the grocery store, and peppermint, which has generally smaller, darker leaves and a sweet flavor. Hence its more common use in candy.
The subtle hint of mint is a welcome addition to this drink I whipped up as a summertime sipper--something to enjoy outside on a nice day. Cynar, an Italian aperitif, adds a touch of bitterness. I recommend an American gin for this drink, as they tend to have a more herbal/floral profile than the spicier notes common to London dry gin.
Ginger's Lazy Summer Afternoon
6 to 8 peppermint leaves
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 oz. Green Hat gin (or other herbal American gin)
1/2 oz. Cynar
4 oz. ginger beer
Lemon wheel
Add the mint leaves and lemon juice to a highball glass and muddle the mint leaves. Fill the glass with ice then add the gin, Cynar and ginger beer. Stir to combine and garnish with lemon wheel.
Did we have any lazy summer afternoons, sipping this? If not, is it too late?
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