Step 1

Prep. Rinse the mint leaves to make sure any dirt splashed on the underside of the leaves is gone. Don't dry them. The moisture from the rinse is helpful in making the drink.

Step 2

Put the leaves in a 12-ounce/355-ml cocktail glass and pour the sugar on top. Muddle them together gently with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. When the leaves and wet sugar begin to turn a little mushy, add the water and the bourbon, and stir with a fork until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3

Serve. Top with crushed ice, add a couple dashes of Angostura bitters, garnish with the sprig of mint, add a straw, and you're off!