Recipe

• 2 parts brandy

• 1 part vodka

• 1 part mint syrup

Shake together with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Decorate with a mint leaf. To make the mint syrup, mix equal weights boiling water and sugar until dissolved, and add a whole load of mint, stalks and all, while it's still hot. Leave overnight and strain.

Too sweet! It's got a sort of nice flavour, but it's just too sugary. The mint taste isn't overpowering, but gives it all a sort of pleasant lift at least.

Maybe this would work better with a little lemon juice or something. I'll report back if I try it!