Our friend Tony loves to fly. And once he lands he mixes a fabulous mojito. He claims the secret comes from an old flying term known as T.L.A.R. which translates to “That Looks About Right.” I can’t speak for air safety, but I can say that his cocktail approach makes for an excellent mojito.

Ready

For the Simple Syrup

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 3-5 mint leaves
• Zest of one lime

For the Mojito

• 1.5 oz white rum
• 1 oz simple syrup (from above)
• 1 oz lime fresh juice
• 1 oz soda water
• ice

Set

• Sauce pan
• Strainer
• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler

Go

1. Add a few mint leaves to the rum and let steep. (You may want to steep the rum in a separate container so that you have fresh rum for other cocktails)
2. Add sugar, zest, water and 3-5 mint leaves to sauce pan and simmer for 15-30 minutes. This allows the simple syrup to absorb the lime and mint flavor.
3. Let cool.
4. Stain syrup into a new container.
5. In a cocktail shaker muddle 8-10 mint leaves.
6. Add rum, simple syrup, lime, soda water and ice.
7. Cover and shake well.
8. Taste, adjust, taste again.
9. When ready loudly announce “That looks about right”
10. Strain and serve.

What you should know

This is an easy cocktail to make in party size proportions. Simply multiply the proportions by 3X or 4X and mix the ingredients in a large pitcher. Instead of shaking stir well with a large spoon.

Also note that most restaurants serve the mojito on the rocks. I prefer to serve mojitos chilled but neat. The ice only seems to get in the way.