Fill a tall 12-ounce glass with ice cubes. Set aside for 30 seconds so the glass chills.Checkpoint: Your glass is cold and ready to use.

Gently place 12 fresh mint leaves and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar directly into the glass. Do not crush yet — the mint must stay whole.Checkpoint: You can see the mint leaves sitting on top of the ice.

Cut 1 lime in half. Using a muddler or the back of a bar spoon, gently press down on the mint and lime together for 10–15 seconds. Press only until you smell a strong mint aroma and see lime juice release. Stop immediately — do not grind or crush the mint into tiny pieces.Checkpoint: The mint is fragrant and slightly bruised, and lime juice coats the bottom of the glass. The mint leaves should still be recognizable in shape.

Pour 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 3–4 freshly squeezed limes) slowly into the glass over the ice and muddled mint. Stir once with a bar spoon.Checkpoint: The liquid is pale yellow-green and the sugar is dissolving.

Top the glass with 1/2 cup cold club soda or sparkling water poured slowly. Let the fizz settle for 5 seconds.Checkpoint: Bubbles are rising and the drink looks half-full.

Add 1/2 cup ginger ale or lemon-lime soda by pouring it gently down the side of the glass. Stir very gently with a bar spoon for 8–10 seconds to combine.Checkpoint: All liquids are evenly mixed, and the drink smells of mint and lime with no unmixed pockets at the bottom.

Place a lime wheel (a thin slice of lime with peel attached) on the rim or float it on top of the drink. Insert a fresh mint sprig (3–4 small leaves on a short stem) next to the lime wheel.Checkpoint: The drink looks visually appealing with bright green mint and yellow-green lime visible.

Insert a cocktail straw into the center of the glass and serve immediately while cold and fizzy (within 1–2 minutes of assembly).Checkpoint: Drink tastes refreshingly cold, minty, and balanced between tart and slightly sweet on the first sip.