Mock Mojito Recipe

Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer.

Remove from heat and add the packed cup of fresh mint leaves. Press the leaves gently into the hot syrup with a spoon to release oils, but do not chop. Let steep for 20 minutes off the heat.

Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or bottle, pressing lightly on the mint to extract flavor. Discard the mint leaves. Let cool completely. Refrigerate — will keep 2 weeks.

Prepare glass

Place 6 fresh mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy highball or Collins glass.

Add 0.75 oz (about 1.5 tbsp) of the prepared mint syrup and 1 oz fresh lime juice to the glass.

Gently muddle the mint leaves and lime wedge 6–8 times with a muddler or the handle of a spoon. Press just enough to bruise the leaves and release oils — avoid shredding the mint to prevent bitterness.

Fill the glass with about 1 cup crushed ice, leaving room at the top for sodas.

Pour in 3 oz club soda and 2 oz lemon-lime soda (Sprite) over the ice. Gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to combine without flattening the soda.

Add 4 ice cubes if you prefer larger cubes to slow dilution and tuck a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge on the rim as garnish.

Taste and adjust: if you want it sweeter, add another 0.25–0.5 oz mint syrup; if tarter, add a few drops more lime juice.

Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy.