Vodka-Mint Mixed Drinks

1. Fill a tall glass ice. Rinse off fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them into the glass.

2. Pour one part vodka per two parts club soda, sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea for a dry cocktail. Pour tonic, sweetened ice tea or a fruit juice such as cranberry, lemonade, limeade, pineapple or watermelon for a sweet cocktail.

3. Stir the mixture and serve. If you prefer, pour the vodka-mint mixture combined with a fruit juice into a blender to create a frozen drink. Garnish the cocktail with mint leaves and fruit slices.

Vodka-Mint Mojito

1. Combine one part sugar per three parts fresh lime or lemon juice in a chilled shaker to create a simple syrup.

2. Add fresh mint leaves. Muddle the mint leaves into the simple syrup mixture with a muddler or back of a spoon to combine the flavors. Add one part vodka per two parts club soda. Fill the shaker halfway with ice.

3. Shake the contents of the mixer and pour the mixture into a tall glass. Stir in fresh fruit such as blackberries, blueberries, kiwi or mango for added flavor. Garnish the vodka mojito with fresh mint leaves.

Vodka-Mint Martini/Manhattan

1. Chill a martini glass in ice. Add 2 parts vodka per 1/4-part dry vermouth to create a vodka martini and 1/4-part sweet vermouth to make a vodka Manhattan. Add mint leaves. Fill a quarter of the shaker with ice.

2. Cover and shake the shaker. Pour the liquid mixture into the chilled martini glass through a sieve.

3. Garnish the vodka martini with a lemon or lime peel twist or cucumber slice, based on desired flavor. Garnish the vodka Manhattan with a cherry or orange twist.