Strawberry Mojito

Step 1

Pour the sugar and water in a two-quart saucepan, then add the mint and bring to a boil. Stir. Boil until all the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to steep for 10 minutes and allow the syrup to cool. Remove the mint leaves and pour into a lidded container for storage in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 2

In a 16 oz (454g) highball glass, layer the cut lime wedges, mint leaves, and three quartered strawberries.

Step 3

Pour in the simple and muddle the mixture for about 30 seconds. The goal is to squeeze out the lime juice, mash the berries and to allow the mint to release its oils. There should be bits of strawberries left when muddling is complete.

Step 4

Add the light rum (or omit for mocktail) to the muddled mixture, then add crushed ice (I fill mine almost to the top). Top off with Club Soda. Stir well. Garnish with a lime wedge, medium strawberry, and mint stem. When finishing the mojito, have a spoon on hand to dig out the delicious strawberry bits!