Mojito

After hours of research and testing I have my Mojito recipe dialed in. Many recipes call for more lime, less mint, etc. This one is tailored to my taste, but should be a good starting point for anyone.

Fresh ingredients are key to this drink. Avoid bottled lime juice and use the freshest mint you can find.

To muddle the first three ingredients combine them in a sturdy glass and mash them up with a muddler or a wooden spoon. The idea is to extract flavor from the mint by squeezing it. The sugar acts as an abrasive to help the process. A muddler is just a stick with a rounded end used to mash stuff up so don’t hesitate to improvise.

In a good sized glass with a heavy bottom muddle together:

• 1 rounded tablespoon granulated sugar
• 10 fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 1/4 lime

Add and stir to dissolve any remaining sugar:

• 2 oz light rum

Strain this mixture into a pint glass 1/2 full of ice (preferably crushed.) Fill the rest of the glass with:

• Club Soda

Optionally garnish with a mint leaf or the spent lime rind and enjoy the minty goodness! The recipe is easily multiplied and everything through the rum can be prepared ahead of time.

Ah, summer…