Background:

The mojito, the new “it” drink all over the United States, has long been regarded as a classic cocktail in its homeland of Cuba. In fact, it is rumored that Ernest Hemingway enjoyed many of these minty rum drinks during his time in Cuba several decades ago. Mojitos were created in Havana, where fresh ingredients common to the Caribbean — mint exploding with flavor, tangy lime and famous Cuban rum — were combined for the first time. Together, they create an exotic tasting and tropical looking cocktail.

In the midst of our Indian summer, a mojito is as refreshing as a glass of lemonade, but with a bit of a kick. Knock back one or two of these minty green cocktails, and you will find yourself dancing to a Latin beat.

This recipe may look daunting at first because of the stovetop cooking that is necessary to make the simple syrup, but as its name suggests, simple syrup is in fact easy to make. Make a generous amount and store it for up to a week so you can whip up a mojito at a moment’s notice. Simple syrup is a great way to sweeten any flavored martini, complementing the bitterness that is often found in puckers, schnapps and flavored vodkas.

Ingredients:

For one mojito; multiply the amounts by the number of guests you have.

3 oz. light rum

1 lime, cut in half

I tablespoon simple syrup

Fresh mint, about 8-10 sprigs

Ice

Club soda

Directions:

To make simple syrup:

Heat equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan on low heat. Stir until the sugar has been completely dissolved. Try to not let the mixture boil. To make a big batch, use one cup each of water and sugar. Be sure to keep the syrup refrigerated.

Mojito:

In a tall glass combine mint sprigs and the tablespoon of cooled simple syrup.

Using a fork or any other utensil that you can find, squish the mint around for about 30 seconds, until you can smell the refreshing aroma.

Squeeze the juice of both halves of the lime into the glass and then drop one of the halves into the glass.

Add the rum and stir.

Fill the glass to the top with ice. Top the cocktail of with a splash of club soda.