So I’m still a little obsessed with smashes. They really are the perfect spring drink. Light in color, a little fizzy, and those little pops of fruit and ginger — just the thing when it’s 90F in May! And when I saw fresh mangos for $1/each, I thought — why not ?? It’s just a variation on the blueberry-ginger smash from a couple of weeks ago, but that’s kinda the point of a smash — use the fruit you have available.

The CGP is not as big a fan of the fresh ginger as I am — so I skipped it in his (personally, I LOVED the ginger in here). If your mango is fairly ripe, one teaspoon of sugar will do. It it’s still a little tart, you probably want two. The mint is a very subtle herbal note — this is NOT a mojito (despite the presence of lime and rum!). I may have to try this with Thai basil once I hoe the garden and plant some

Mango Smash
Serves 1

3 to 4 tablespoons diced mango
Finely grated ginger (optional)
4 – 5 mint leaves
1 – 2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
4 tablespoons white rum
Ice
About 1/2 cup ginger ale

Place the mango, ginger (optional), mint, sugar, and lime juice in the bottom of a tall wide-mouth glass. Muddle these together, making sure to smash the mango well. Add the rum and stir well, ensuring the sugar is dissolved. Add 4 or 5 cubes of ice then top off with ginger ale. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve immediately.