Top | 101 Mojitos and Other Muddled Drinks

The Perfect Mojito

(recipe, Kim Haasarud)

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Introduction

This is a very simple and delicious drink to make, but unfortunately it gets muddled up (literally) too often. There are two important keys that will guarantee a perfect mojito every time. First, you must use fresh-squeezed lime juice. No premixes or bottled lime juice here — they just won't cut it. Second, the lime juice to simple syrup ratio must be 1:1. Do not take liberties. Use a jigger for accuracy. If you get these two things right, you'll be making perfect mojitos at every party!

Ingredients

1. 10 to 15 mint leaves, plus sprig for garnish
2. 1 oz. fresh lime juice
3. 1 oz. simple syrup (see Note)
4. 2 oz. premium rum (such as 10 Cane, Bacardi Superior, Cruzan, etc.)
5. Splash of soda water

Steps

1. In the bottom of a rocks glass, muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup. (Muddle lightly to just release the oils in the mint; do not pulverize the leaves.) Add the rum. Top with crushed ice and the soda water. Stir well from the bottom up. Garnish with the mint sprig and serve.

Note

To make simple syrup, combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool completely, then bottle and keep refrigerated until ready to use. This makes enough for 10 mojitos.