Houstonist Bartender

Hello. We are Houstonist and we like to drink. Don't act surprised, you've read our bio's. A couple drinks per day is healthy. As long as it's only a couple. Moderation, boys and girls, moderation.

To help celebrate the Labor Day weekend, we would like to suggest one of our favorite libations, The Mojito. Cool, refreshing, great for lounging by pool, and best made by the pitcher. Which means you can share with your friends. If you don't have any friends, give us a shout. We love parties. Here's what you need and how we make it. And don't worry, if they don't turn out the way you like it the first time, you can always try again. Remember, it's a long weekend. Have a great holiday!

Houstonist Mojito

10 limes (9 quartered, 1 sliced for garnish)
25 mint leaves (this is a good round number, adjust to taste)
1 cup sugar (regular sugar works, if you have powdered it will dissolve easier)
20 ounces light rum (we prefer Cruzan or Havana Club, but Bacardi will do, the better the rum, the better the drink. Duh.)
32 ounces soda water (Not Sprite or 7-up, soda water)
Ice
(Disclaimer-We use a 2 quart pitcher, you may need to adjust your portions to suit your taste and pitcher.)

1. Add the 9 limes and mint leaves to the pitcher and, using a crucible or a wooden spoon, mash. Don't over do it, but you want to get most of the lime juice and mint to mix together.
2. Add sugar and continue mixing. Best to add the sugar as you are muddling.
3. Depending on your taste, and how fast you will drink your Mojitos, you can add the ice to the pitcher or to individual glasses and pour over. We pour over the ice so they don't water down.
4. Add the rum and soda water.
5. Stir and serve.
6. Garnish with lime wheel and enjoy!

Houstonist encourages smart drinking.

If you have a favorite drink you would like to share, let us know. It could make a future Bartender post.

Photo: Flickr user: edo40ode