Bourbon Smash

Chill an Old Fashioned glass in advance.

Prepare a garnish by arranging a bouquet of fresh mint sprigs.

Gently muddle the mint leaves in the base of a shaker, applying just enough pressure to release their aroma without tearing them apart.

Add the bourbon whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, rich sugar syrup, and optionally, a few drops of saline solution or a pinch of salt. Shake the mixture with ice until well chilled.

Fine strain the cocktail into the pre-chilled, ice-filled Old Fashioned glass.

Garnish with the prepared mint sprigs bouquet.