Mojitos are one of my all time favorite cocktails because they are delicious and refreshing AND the mint and lime forward flavor profile goes so nicely with a wide range of cuisines.
I make my mojitos by the pitcher because once they’re mixed everyone wants at least one and, after having one myself, I find it much easier to pour than to muddle and mix. This recipe makes approximately 8 mojitos.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz Light Rum
– 4 oz Lime Juice + 1 Lime for garnish
– Approximately 6 oz Granulated Sugar (or see option for simple syrup below)
– Approximately 40 Fresh Mint Leaves (with additional sprigs for garnish)
– 1 Liter Club Soda or plain seltzer
– Ice
How I Make It:
– Muddle sugar and mint leaves in a big pitcher
– Stir in light rum and lime juice
– Slowly add club soda and stir
– Chill well prior to serving
– Fill glasses with ice and pour the mojito mixture over it, add a stalk of fresh mint and top with a twist of lime to garnish (both will enhance the cocktail with their aromatics).
Tips:
– Only use freshly squeezed lime juice!
– If you don’t have a muddler, or if your muddler is too short to muddle the mint in your pitcher, use a wooden spoon.
– Always taste the mojito to make sure it is sweet enough. The amount of sugar can vary according to the tartness of your limes and the tastes of your guests. I like to make it on the less sweet side and have simple syrup at the ready to adjust if needed (see below).
– Use Mint Infused Simple Syrup for extra depth of flavor and to easily dissolve in your finished cocktail. (Make this ahead of time by heating 1 cup each of sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil, then remove from heat, add your leftover mint stems, cover and let steep for at least 1 hour; then strain and chill); You will likely have to 8 oz of so of the simple syrup since the sugar is somewhat diluted in syrup form.
– Give the sprig (or stalk) of Mint a smack before adding it as a garnish to release more of the fragrance of the mint.
Warmer weather is a great time to get your muddlers out, crack that ice, and make a pitcher of mojitos for your next Spring or Summer Soirée!
