- Take your basic Mojito, substitute the lemon for the lime, refine it just a bit by making a mint-lemon simple syrup, and you’ve got this lovely refresher. And for those of us who prefer not to get flora in our teeth when we drink, the greenery-free clarity of the cocktail is most welcome.
In a small heavy saucepan combine 1/4 cup each of fine granulated sugar and lemon juice, 2 tablespoons water, the grated rind of 1 lemon, and 8 to 10 fresh mint leaves and bring the liquid to a simmer over moderate heat. Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup stand, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a pitcher and divide it between two 10-ounce Old Fashioned glasses, chilled. Into each glass stir 1/3 cup white rum, add 3 or 4 ice cubes, and fill the glasses with club soda, chilled. Garnish the drinks with sprigs of mint. Makes 2 drinks.