Sandy Collins

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 large sprigs fresh mint, plus more for garnish
• Ice
• 1 liter club soda
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 6 ounces gin, optional

1. First make the mint simple syrup: Put 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water into a saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Turn off the heat.
4. Bruise the mint a little by rubbing it between your fingers.
5. Add mint to the syrup and set aside until it cools, at least 1 hour.
6. Strain into a clean jar and discard the mint.
7. Cover the jar with a lid.
8. Leftover syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
9. To make the drinks, fill 4 glasses with ice.
10. Put 2 tablespoons of mint simple syrup into each glass.
11. Top with about a cup of club soda and a teaspoon of lemon juice.
12. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.
13. Add 1 1/2 ounces of gin to each glass, if desired.

sugar, water, mint, club soda, lemons

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/sandy-collins-recipe.html (may not work)