Yield: 1 cocktail

3 mint sprigs, divided

2 ounces (1/4 cup) gin

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 1/2 tablespoons simple syrup

1 small dash Angostura bitters, optional

1. Bruise 2 sprigs of mint gently in a cocktail shaker. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup and bitters. Add ice. Shake.

2. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with remaining mint leaf.

Note: When making this drink, mixologist Toby Maloney recommends Tanqueray gin for "gin lovers" and the fuller-bodied Plymouth gin for 'soon-to-be gin lovers." To make simple syrup, mix together equal parts sugar and water. Bring water to a boil to dissolve the sugar. Let cool.