If you’re looking for a fresh cocktail to serve at your next garden party, a London Mojito is a fun twist on a classic drink that screams summertime (or anytime, as far as I’m concerned)!

A classic mojito is a simple blend of rum, club soda, fresh mint leaves, limes, and sugar. They are delicious. And they’re also refreshing, which can be dangerous if you have a generous bartender, or a friend who’s intent on keeping your cup full. (This is not necessarily a bad thing.)

A London Mojito, however, is made with gin instead of rum. I happen to love gin. A LOT.

In the case of this London Mojito, half a lime is sliced up into little wedges and dropped into the bottom of a pint-sized mason jar with a healthy clump of fresh mint. (Yes, you want to use a mason jar – you’ll see why in a sec).

Sweetened lime concentrate and fresh lime juice are poured on top, then the handle of a wooden spoon is used to muddle.

Muddle is a fancy word for smashed together.

The mason jar gets filled with ice and the gin is poured over top. THEN, on goes the lid, and you shake the heck out of it for one minute.

It will feel cold. Like REALLY cold. As in, “Was this mason jar in the freezer?” cold. This is good.

Last, but not least, the club soda is added, along with more fresh mint (you can never have too much fresh mint in a mojito), and you get to enjoy your spoils.

Cocktail purists may be cringing at this step (rather than pour the shaken beverage over top a fresh glass of ice). I, on the other hand, think it’s both fun and practical to make a one cup cocktail!