Dave says: We had some limes, and mojitos sounded fun. One problem: what is, in fact, the definition of a mojito? Generally speaking it’s a combo of rum, lime, soda water, sugar, and mint — but a Googling of the term turns up an amazing variety of blends and proportions thereof, including variations on the sugar (simple syrup? confectioner’s sugar? cane sugar syrup?) and what to do about the lime juice (everything from fresh-squeezed to Rose’s Lime Juice to lemons and lemon-lime soda).
Here’s what we came up with that seemed to be a good combo. Noted for future reference:
10-12 mint leaves (maybe fewer)
1 lime’s juice (1 oz.)
2 tbsp. simple syrup* (about the max sweet you want; you can use a bit less)
ice
2 oz. white rum
3-4 oz. club soda
- Put mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup in a pint glass (highball).
- Muddle the leaves (with a muddler, or else a spoon) until the are bruised and releasing mint flavor, but not shredded.
- Fill glass with ice.
- Pour in rum, club soda.
- Mix to get mint to the top of the glass, too.
Serve with a slice of lime or some sprigs or mint, if you want to get fancy.
*Simple syrup can be made easily (see any number of recipes online), or actually purchased by the bottle as a bar supply. If you make lots of mojitos, you can actually infuse some mint leaves into a special supply of simple syrup to simplify the first few steps.
