Why a mojito recipe on this blog?

Because I had to slog through a bunch of single-serve recipes before I hit on a volume batch for my refreshingly favorite summertime cocktail.

Iim partial to this one from Bon Appetit, January 2001, makes six. NOTE: Give yourself plenty of time to conjure this labor-intensive creation.

3 cups fresh mint leaves
9 T sugar
1 1/2 cups light rum
1/2 cup fresh lime juice

6 cups crushed ice
6 lime wedges
3 to 6 cups club soda...TASTE first at the 3 cup mark before you add more...I find 6 cups dilutes it too much.

Reserve 6 mint leaves for garnish. Place remaining mint leaves in medium bowl. Add sugar. Mash with wooden spoon until mint is aromatic and oils are released.

Add rum and lime juice and stir until sugar dissolves. Strain mixture into pitcher. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead; refrigerate).

Add club soda to pitcher; gently stir. Fill each of 6 tall glasses with 1 cup crushed ice. Pour mojito over and garnish each glass with 1 mint leaf and 1 lime wedge.

Serves 6