The Alberto no. 1

This drink is much, much more than a mojito... it's an Alberto no. 1. Invented by Adalberto Alonso, the Cuban bartender at New York's La Caravelle, this is the type of drink of which you should only have one.

ALBERTO NO. 1

(adapted from Rick Marin's (New York Times) adaptation from Adalberto Alonso of La Caravelle)

Juice of a lime
2 ounces vodka, very chilled
5-8 mint leaves, washed and crushed in your hand
1.5 tsp. plus a dash, sugar
dry champagne
mint sprig

I usually make this drink in batches of two... so I multiply the amounts above by two (note: for two drinks, that's 3 tsp. sugar... I usually add 1/4 tsp. more).

In a metal or glass mixer, combine lime juice, vodka, crushed mint, sugar and two ice cubes (for two drinks). Shake hard for a good 15 seconds or until you feel the shaker suddently turn markedly colder. Pour equal amounts from the shaker in an empty tall, stemmed glass (like a margarita glass or just a red wine glass). Fill the rest of the way with champagne. Use mint sprig to stir very briefly and leave in for garnish.