Mojito Mix: How To Make

We’re going to give you the perfect Summer BBQ cocktail idea: Mojito mix – how to make it ahead to save yourself time so you can enjoy your guests while still wowing them with your bartending skills. Mojitos are widely popular, but time-consuming to prepare to order. If you take some time before the party to put together these fresh ingredients, you can serve up spectacular Mojitos without the need for pre-fab mixes that can dull the flavor and flair of traditional Mojitos.

You’ll need:

• Fresh limes
• Fresh mint leaves
• Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Water
• Club soda
• Angostura Bitters
• White Rum

Step One: Make Simple Mint Syrup. This step can be completed days before the party.

1. Heat 1 cup of water, 2/3 cup of sugar, and 1/3 cup of brown sugar until all sugar is dissolved. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sugar from sticking to the pot and burning, if you’re using the stovetop.
2. Add approximately ¾-1 cup of fresh mint leaves to sugar water. Allow mint leaves to steep for approximately 30-45 minutes.
3. Remove leaves and store sugar water in an air-tight container. Refrigeration is not required, but can extend the life of your mint sugar water. (Sugar water will keep for several days.)

Step Two: Mixing it up. This step can be completed the morning of the party.

1. Pour 1 part simple mint syrup to 2 parts white rum. For example, to make a 32 oz pitcher of mix, you would use approximately 10 oz of simple syrup to 20 oz of rum.
2. Place sugar/rum mixture in the refrigerator until ready to prepare drinks for guests.

Final Step: Getting ready to serve.

1. In a tall glass, pour 3 parts sugar/rum mix to 1 part club soda. Be sure to leave enough room for ice!
2. Add one or two dashes of Angostura bitters. Go easy! Don’t add too much – just a few drops will do.
3. Fill glass with crushed ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or mint leaf and serve!

Tips: For a real Cuban look and feel, add lime pieces and fresh mint leaves to the bottom of the glass before adding rum and soda. Muddle the lime and mint with a large spoon for added flavor!