To make a classic mojito, follow these steps:

Ingredients

• 5 to 10 fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 ounces white rum
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
• ½ ounce simple syrup or 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Club soda or sparkling water
• Lime slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Muddle the mint
   Place the mint leaves at the bottom of a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker. Lightly muddle them to release their aroma and oils without pulverizing the leaves. The goal is to bruise the mint gently to avoid bitterness from over- muddling

2. Add lime and sweetener
   Add the fresh lime juice and simple syrup (or sugar). If using granulated sugar, muddle gently to help it dissolve

3. Add rum and ice
   Pour in the white rum, then fill the glass or shaker with ice cubes

4. Mix the drink
   If using a shaker, shake vigorously until well chilled and combined, then strain into a glass filled with ice. If mixing in the glass, stir gently to combine the ingredients

5. Top with soda water
   Add a splash of club soda or sparkling water to top off the mojito and give it a refreshing fizz

6. Garnish and serve
   Garnish with a lime slice and a sprig of fresh mint. Optionally, gently clap the mint sprig between your palms before garnishing to release more aroma

Tips

• Avoid over-muddling mint to prevent bitterness and unpleasant texture

• Adjust sweetness and tartness by adding more simple syrup or lime juice to taste

• For a pitcher, multiply ingredients accordingly and muddle mint and lime in the pitcher before adding rum, ice, and soda

This method yields a refreshing, balanced mojito perfect for warm days and gatherings