Ingredients
- Fresh mint: A generous handful of fresh leaves.
- Lime: 1 to 2 limes (cut into quarters).
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons (brown sugar is best for taste, but white sugar works too).
- Sparkling water or Sprite/7-Up: If you use soda, you can reduce the amount of added sugar.
- Ice cubes: Crushed ice is ideal for the authentic appearance of the mojito.
- Optional: A drizzle of strawberry or passion fruit syrup for a fruity touch.
Instructions
1. Crush the base: Place the lime wedges and sugar in a sturdy glass. Use a pestle (or the end of a wooden spoon) to squeeze the lemons to release their juice and essential oils from the peel.
2. Add the mint: Add the fresh mint leaves to the glass. Pound them gently only a few times.
Tip: Don't grind the mint too hard, otherwise it will become bitter; you just want to release its aroma.
3. Add the ice: Fill the glass to the top with crushed ice.
4. Complete: Pour the sparkling water (or lemon-lime soda) over the ice.
5. Mix and garnish: Stir gently with a long spoon to bring up the lemon and sugar from the bottom. Garnish with an extra sprig of mint and a slice of lime around the rim of the glass.