Mint Highball

Pro tips

• Express the lemon twist over the drink before dropping it in to release essential oils and enhance aroma.
• Use fresh ice and chill your glass beforehand—carbonation fades quickly in a warm glass.
• Stir gently after adding the mixer to avoid excessive carbonation loss; avoid vigorous shaking.
• Taste the ratio first: if your ginger ale or soda water is flat or warm, the drink will suffer noticeably.

Substitutions

• Green crème de menthe → white crème de menthe (same flavor, clear appearance)
• Ginger ale → club soda (lighter, less sweet; use if you prefer a drier drink)
• Lemon twist → lime twist (adds slight tartness; works equally well)

What's the difference between ginger ale and soda water in a mint highball?

Ginger ale adds subtle spice and sweetness that complements the mint, while soda water keeps the drink lighter and less sweet, letting the crème de menthe flavor dominate.

Can I use white crème de menthe instead of green?

Yes. White crème de menthe delivers the same mint flavor without the green color, resulting in a clearer cocktail with identical taste.

Should the glass be chilled?

Chilling the glass beforehand keeps the drink colder longer and improves the drinking experience, though it's not required.

What type of lemon twist works best?

A thin strip of lemon peel, expressed over the drink to release oils, adds aroma and flavor. Remove any white pith to avoid bitterness.

Is this drink served over ice?

Yes, fill the glass with ice before adding the crème de menthe and mixer for proper dilution and chill.