Mojito

Mojitos have always been my favorite drink. Originating from Cuba, mojitos are light, crisp and refreshing; they are the perfect spring/summer time cocktail when a rum and Coke just sounds too heavy to the average rum-lover.

They are easy to make and call for ingredients that you may already have around your house.

What you will need:

Fresh mint sprigs

2 tsp sugar

1 fresh lime

1 1/2 oz light rum

club soda

Directions:

I like to make a mojito by muddling a substantial amount of mint leaves (5 to 10, depending on their size), with the two teaspoons of sugar (a mortar and pestle will also work for this step).

The important thing is to grind the sugar into leaves so that the granules are completely incorporated and dissolved within the mint and its juice. This will form a sort of paste of mint and sugar.

Combine with the juice of one lime and the leftover lime, cut into quarters.

Add two ounces of white rum. I like to use Marti Autentico Licor de Ron, a Cuban-style white rum that is flavored with lime and mint. Add club soda, crushed ice, and shake in a cocktail shaker. Garnish with a sprig of lime.