Minty Mojito

By carabara14

Ingredients

• 4 cups light rum
• 1 cup mint-flavored Simple Syrup, cooled (recipe below)
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, preferably from Key limes
• 6 cups crushed ice
• 2 cups chilled sparkling water
• 1 cup loosely packed mint sprigs, plus more for garnish
• 3 limes, preferably Key limes, thinly sliced

Details

Servings 12

Preparation

Step 1

Combine the rum, Simple Syrup and lime juice in the punch bowl and mix well. Just before serving, add the crushed ice and slowly pour in the sparkling water. Garnish individual glasses with lime slices and mint sprigs. Add the remaining mint sprigs and lime slices to the punch and serve immediately.

Variations: Add 1/4 cup lemon juice to the punch for a dash more of citrus delight.
Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the liquid is clear, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. The syrup will keep, refrigerated in a sealed jar or container, for up to 1 week. Makes 1 cup.
Variations: For mint-flavored syrup, make the Simple Syrup as directed. When removed from the heat, stir in 1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves. Let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the syrup and discard the mint. Alternatively, to make other flavored syrups, add 2 teaspoons extract such as lemon, orange, vanilla or almond to the cooled Simple Syrup.