Is there anything nicer than sipping a Pimms of a G&T on a warm summer evening in the garden? Probably not but sometimes the occasion seems to call for something more exciting.

People are very coy about cocktails yet many are not complicated and they always impress guests. So here's a guide to making a perfect refreshing cocktail:

Method:

Place the ice in a beverage shaker (a large Tupperware cup with a lid would work). Add the rum, the 8 broken mint sprigs (spearmint is lovely), the lime juice and the sugar. Shake well and pour over ice in tall glasses.

Top up each glass with club soda to taste. Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint. Serve.