This sporty drink (featured in my drinking-book Good Spirits, but originally picked up from my bartending pal Joel Meister) will make you the winner no matter what the final score of the actual game. Refreshing, but with that little kick that makes it easier to handle your team losing, and more fun to celebrate your team winning, the Go Team is an ideal accompaniment for all the tasty snacks that have been posted this week.

Ingredients:
Ice cubes
1 ounce Stolichnaya Vanil vodka
1 ounce Stolichnaya Ohranj vodka
1/2 ounce Midori melon liqueur
1/2 ounce simple syrup (see note below)
2 lime wedges
5 – 8 leaves fresh mint
Chilled soda water

Directions:
1. Add the lime wedges, mint, and simple syrup to a Collins glass or similarly-sized glass. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, muddle well.

2. Fill the glass three quarters up with ice cubes. Add the vodkas and the Midori. Stir well with a bar spoon.

3. Top off the glass with chilled club soda. Stir one more time. Serve with a game-winning smile.

A Note: Simple syrup is a snap to make (if you didn’t already know). For 4-1/2 cups worth, add 3 cups sugar and 2-1/2 cups water to a medium-sized saucepan. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a boil over a medium-high heat. Lower the heat a bit, keeping the mixture at the low boil for five minutes. Then turn off the heat, and let the syrup completely cool in the pan. It stays good for up to a month in the fridge.

Article by : --A.J. Rathbun