Recipe: The Minneapolis Mojito

Serves 1.

Otho Restaurant bartender Tony Kauck invented and named this drink, partially because he uses Opulent, a Minnesota-bottled vodka.

• 4 mint leaves

• 2 tsp. sugar

• 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice

• Crushed ice

• 1 1/2 oz. vodka

• Splash of club soda

• 1 mint sprig

Directions

Put mint leaves, sugar and lime juice in a large glass and muddle together. Add crushed ice. Stir in vodka and top off with club soda. Garnish with mint sprig.

CHANDON CUCUMBER CLASSIC

Serves 1.

From Domaine Chandon.

• 2 inches of raw cucumber with peel • 5 to 7 mint leaves

• 1/2 oz. simple syrup* (see below) • 2 1/2 oz. dry sparkling wine

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumber with mint leaves and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling wine and stir. Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber or mint sprig.

*To make simple syrup: This is a solution of sugar and water cooked over low heat until clear, then boiled for a minute or so. For a thin syrup, use 3 parts water to 1 part sugar; for a medium syrup, use 2 parts water to 1 part sugar.