First, place the 10 mint leaves and one of the lime wedges into a sturdy tall glass. Use a muddler to gently press down and twist a few times. The goal is to release the mint's essential oils and the lime's juice, not to shred the leaves.
Next, add the remaining three lime wedges and the two tablespoons of sugar to the glass. Muddle these ingredients together again. This step helps dissolve the sugar and extracts even more juice from the lime, creating a flavorful base for your mocktail.
Now, fill the glass all the way to the top with ice cubes. Using plenty of ice ensures the drink gets cold quickly and stays that way without becoming too diluted. For a different texture, you can use crushed ice instead of cubes.
Slowly pour the club soda over the ice until the glass is full. Pouring it gently helps preserve the carbonation, keeping your drink lively and fizzy. This bubbly addition lightens the whole drink and makes it incredibly refreshing.
Using a long bar spoon, stir the drink from the bottom up. This motion mixes the muddled lime, mint, and sugar with the club soda. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a thin lime slice before serving immediately.