Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make your very own Minty Lime Cooler. Follow these simple instructions to create a refreshing drink that you and your guests will love:

1. Prepare the Lime: Start by washing the limes thoroughly. Roll them gently on the countertop to loosen the juices. Cut the limes in half and squeeze out the juice into a bowl or a pitcher. Remove any seeds that may fall into the juice.
2. Muddle the Mint: In a separate glass or pitcher, add the mint leaves. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently press the leaves to release their essential oils. Be careful not to tear them apart; you just want to bruise them slightly.
3. Mix Lime and Mint: Pour the freshly squeezed lime juice over the muddled mint leaves. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
4. Sweeten the Drink: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add sugar or honey to the lime and mint mixture. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved. This step is optional and can be adjusted based on your taste preference.
5. Add Sparkling Water: Slowly pour the sparkling water into the lime and mint mixture. Stir gently to avoid losing the fizz.
6. Prepare the Glasses: If desired, rim your serving glasses with a bit of salt. To do this, run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim into a small plate of salt.
7. Serve: Fill each glass with ice cubes, then pour the Minty Lime Cooler over the ice. Garnish with lime slices and mint sprigs for an extra touch of freshness.
8. Enjoy: Your Minty Lime Cooler is ready to be enjoyed. Sip and savor the refreshing flavors!