COCKTAIL HOUR: {Mojitos}

Here's the first post in a new feature called Cocktail Hour. I'll explore delicious cocktail recipes featuring the best in seasonal ingredients. First up: Mojitos!

It's summertime and fresh mint is abundant - invasive even. But when kept in check, and using the right varieties, mint is a wonderful addition to recipes both savory and sweet.

Mojitos are a traditional Cuban highball and are a perfect summer cocktail. The secret to a great Mojito is muddling the mint to release the essential oils, as opposed to chopping or tearing the leaves.

Traditional Mojito

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 1/2 fluid ounces white rum
• 1/2 cup club soda

Directions

1. Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
2. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
3. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice.
4. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with carbonated water. Stir,
5. taste, and add more sugar if desired.
6. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.