Mojito

A mojito is a classic highball drink that originated in Cuba. Not surprisingly, this cocktail uses ingredients indigenous to Cuba, including rum, lime, mint, and sugar. The mixture is topped off with a little club soda to create a thirst-quenching libation. It requires a bit more labor than many mixed drinks, as it involves first muddling fresh mint, lime, and sugar together to release the flavors. But it's well worth it for a refreshing, fizzy, and mildly sweet rum cocktail that remains one of the most popular to this day.

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• ½ medium lime, cut into 3 wedges, divided
• 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
• 1 cup ice cubes, or as needed
• 1 ½ fluid ounces white rum
• ½ cup club soda, or as needed

1. Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler and crush to release mint oils and lime juice.
2. Add remaining lime wedges and 2 tablespoons sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
3. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice.
4. Pour in rum and fill the glass with club soda.
5. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired.