The air-conditioners have been on for about a week (the Woman’s freakishly-fast metabolism runs hot), we’re getting our first real summer rain, and I’ve been in polo shirts for the past five days. Even though summer is still three weeks away, it’s already here.

That means Mojitos. Mojitos are not gay drinks. Mojitos are not girl drinks. Mojitos are not girly-man drinks. Mojitos are yummy and taste like candy-water. They are the perfect summer drink – well, after a pail full of iced down Red Stripe. So, here’s my recipe for a Mojito:

• 1 handful of mint leaves (about 12 leaves)
• 1 lime
• 4 tbsp. of granulated sugar
• 1.5 oz. of white rum (Mount Gay, Bacardi, or Rhum Barbancourt)

Put the mint leaves into a cocktail shaker and pour the sugar over the leaves. Using a wooden spoon, muddle (that’s fancy-talk for “mash”) the leaves into a pulp. Squeeze in the lime juice and then put the squozen lime halves into the shaker. Drop in three ice cubes and shake well until well chilled.

Put another four or five mint leaves and two lime slices into a high-ball glass. Drop in three more ice cubes. Pour in the contents of the shaker. Don’t worry, it should pour out a nice minty green – with itty-bitty bits of mint leaves. Then, top off the glass with seltzer.

Trust me. On a summer day, this is the world’s greatest drink. Nothing beats hanging out while the sun goes down on a hot steamy day kickin’ back with your best girl by your side and a Mojito in your hand. Cheers.