Mandarin Mint Crush

Juleps & Smashes • May 07, 2026

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A photo of the Mandarin Mint Crush cocktail containing Mint leaves, Ketel One Vodka, Mandarine Napoleon Liqueur, Freshly squeezed lime juice, Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne), Club soda in a Old-Fashioned.

Curiada Ingredients

Other Ingredients

  • 12.00 fresh Mint leaves
  • 1.00 fl oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 0.17 fl oz Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne)
  • Top up with Club soda

Directions

  • Lightly muddle mint in base of old-fashioned glass to bruise
  • Add next four ingredients
  • Half fill glass with crushed ice and churn
  • Fill glass to brim with more crushed ice and churn again
  • Top with soda water and stir
  • Garnish with mint sprig
  • Serve with straws

Cocktail Description

The Mandarin Mint Crush is what happens when a mojito takes a sophisticated detour through a European liqueur cabinet and comes back wearing something a bit more refined.

This refreshing vodka-based cocktail combines the clean bite of Ketel One with the subtle, honeyed orange notes of Mandarine Napoleon, all tied together with fresh mint, lime, and a whisper of quality cane syrup. The drink tastes bright and citrusy with layers of herbal coolness from the muddled mint, balanced by just enough sweetness to keep things friendly without crossing into candy territory. It's dead simple to make at home—the hardest part is resisting the urge to over-muddle your mint, which turns it bitter and grassy instead of aromatic. Pour this one at summer barbecues, lazy Sunday brunches, or whenever you need something that looks impressive but comes together in under five minutes. The bright citrus and mint profile makes it a natural companion to grilled seafood, fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, or light salads with citrus vinaigrette. That crushed ice and fizzy soda top make each sip feel like a mini vacation, which is exactly what you want from a good warm-weather sipper.