Zesty Lemon Lime Mojitos

 

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Ginger-infused simple syrup

• 1 two-inch piece ginger, peeled and sliced
• scant 1 cup granulated sugar (I used raw cane)
• 1 cup water

Mojitos:

• 30 mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 8 to 9 limes
• 2 lemons
• 1 1/2 cups ginger-infused simple syrup, chilled
• 1 1/2 cups white or silver rum, chilled
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups club soda, plus extra for serving, chilled
• ice
• 4 pretty sprigs of mint for garnish (optional)

Special equipment: 90 ounce punch or salad bowl

Instructions

Ginger-Infused Simple Syrup:
Add the three ingredients to a small sauce pan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the ginger infuse the syrup for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Strain out the ginger slices and pour into a container for refrigeration. (Can be made several days in advance and kept in the fridge.)
for the muddled lemon-lime juice

Slice two limes into 1/8" slices and cut them into half moons. Slice one lemon into 1/8" slices and cut them into quarters. Place the citrus in a sturdy mixing bowl, along with the 30 mint leaves. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar over the citrus and mint, and muddle thoroughly. The sugar should be dissolved and the mint leaves well-bruised.

Juice the Citrus:
Slice the remaining lemon and limes in half. Use a hand-held citrus squeezer or juicer (or, better, an electric juicer, if you have one) to produce one cup of lemon-lime juice. (You might not use all of the limes - reserve them for other usage, or slice them to garnish the bowl.)

To Assemble:
Scrape the muddled mint and citrus slices into the punch bowl. Add the citrus juice, the simple syrup, rum, and club soda. (Use 1 cup of club soda for a stronger drink, or 1 1/2 cups to lighten, depending on your preferences.) Stir to mix. Add lots of ice, and use a fork to bring the mint, lime, and lemon pieces to the surface. Garnish with extra lime and lemon slices, if you wish.

To Serve:
Use a small ladle to fill each glass with the mojito mix, making sure to include mint leaves and citrus slices. Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint, if desired. Serve with extra, well-chilled club soda on the side, which your guests can add as they wish.

Source:  SoupAddict