The classic mojito is a traditional Cuban libation made with lime, mint, and rum. If you're looking for a simple, thirst-quenching drink to get through the summer heat, this may very well be your new favorite cocktail.
By the Glass: Place sugar in a food processor and pulse until it reaches a super-fine but not powdery consistency then add it to the bottom of the glass. Gently press together the limes & sugar. Bruise the mint leaves by clapping them between your palms, rub them on the rim of the glass and drop them in. Next, half fill the glass with crushed ice, add the rum & stir. Top up with crushed ice, a splash of soda and a sprig of mint.
By the Pitcher: Make a simple syrup by heating sugar and water until completely dissolved. Set aside to cool. Into the pitcher add fresh mint and bruise it with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula so it becomes fragrant releasing its essential oils. Next, add lime juice and rum. Add simple syrup and stir to combine. Pour drink mix over ice filling the glass 2/3 full and then topping with club soda, soda water, or lemon-lime soda.
Notes
The original recipe calls for castor sugar which can be difficult to find but is nothing more than granulated sugar that's been processed until it reaches a super-fine but not powdery consistency. If you are going to be making many drinks, pulse a half cup of sugar or so ahead of your gathering to save time when preparing drinks later on.
The mint leaves should be bruised and not torn or shredded to give the best flavor.
Nutrition is calculated based on the recipe as written. Additions, omissions, or substitutions will change the calculated values shown. The addition, omission, or substitution of ingredients will alter the nutritional information shown. Nutrition percentages are based on a 2000-calorie diet. The FDA recommends 80 micrograms of vitamin K