Add 1 cup of fresh, rinsed mint and 2 ounces homemade simple syrup to your shaker (or a tall glass with a lid like a mason jar) and muddle gently until fragrant and the juices from the mint leaves have been released. I recommend adding in the stems too for extra minty flavor!
Add in the rum, lime juice, and ice. Screw on lid and shake until fully incorporated. The longer you shake, the more minty your mojito will be.
Fill two drinking glasses 3/4 full with ice.
Strain rum mixture into glasses and top with sparkling lime water and a sprinkle of cayenne, if desired. Using a spoon, carefully stir to mix in the sparkling water.
Garnish with lime wedge and more fresh mint. Enjoy!
Simple Syrup Instructions
Add 3/4 cup cane sugar to 5 ounces of warm water. Whisk until fully combined. Set aside for 10 minutes or until sugar has fully dissolved.
Creates roughly 8 ounces of simple syrup (enough for 4 cocktails)
Stores well in the fridge for several days.
Notes
WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol. Please drink responsibly.