mmm...mint

nothing really reminds me of summer like fresh mint. growing in the garden, growing like a weed. it's pretty much good on anything. go ahead, try it. make a delicious marinade with it using olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper- maybe even a dash of honey. so simple, yet SO good. put it in a salad, on a sandwich, in a cocktail. just not a mojito- those are so 2006.

try something so old it's new- a southside. maybe the best adult beverage since they put bl smooth in a can. there are many ways to make this thing, but only one way to ensure it is damn good and that is to make sure the mint is fresh and finely chopped, muddled, or blended.

1 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (you can use the frozen fake stuff too, but it's just not as good)
2/3 cup simple syrup (not necessary if you use the sugary frozen stuff)
1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves
6 oz gin, vodka, or rum (whatever your little boozy heart desires)
seltzer water
ice

a southside can be mixed several ways. some people say to muddle the mint, lemon juice, and simple syrup to release the mint flavor. if you don't have the patience for that or a muddler, you can put everything but the seltzer in a blender and you get a nice frothy, minty cocktail ready to pour over ice. add the seltzer to taste. or if you don't have a blender, just chop the mint super fine and mix. some of the more mature folks may not even want the seltzer but if you want to make it past 2 of these it might be a good idea.

if you want to learn more about this heavenly creation, check this out

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118738373350801279.html