Cocktail: Ginger's Lazy Summer Afternoon

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.