Mojito Base

• 1-2 cups sugar (or to taste)
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 bunch mint (save 1 sprig for garnish)
• 1 bottle (1 liter) clear or dark rum

Mojito Cocktail

• mojito base (as above)
• sparkling water
• ice cubes

Prepare Mojito Base

1. Beat the sugar, lime juice, and mint (including the stalks) together until you have a greenish liquid and the mint is completely chopped
2. Add the rum and beat for one more minute

Note: This liquid can be kept in the fridge for at least a month!

Make Mojito Cocktail

1. Fill a tall glass one-quarter of the way with the prepared mojito base
2. Add 3 ice cubes and fill the glass with sparkling water
3. Add a sprig of mint, stir and serve.  It doesn't matter if no mint is available, as the cocktail base is already flavored with mint