Watermelon Mojitos

Name: Watermelon Mojitos
Yield: makes 8 drinks
Ingredients: 1/4 cup agave nectar; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 medium limes); Handful of fresh mint leaves; 1 cup light rum (such as locally distilled Treaty Oak); 1/2 cup aged rum (such as Mount Gay); Per drink: 3 or 4 chunks peeled, seeded ripe watermelon; Ice cubes; Club soda; Watermelon slices and sprigs of mint, for garnish

December 14, 2011

The fading sun, an ocean breeze, a pitcher of mojitos waiting in the fridge. Open the door, fill the ice bucket, and let the party begin. Invented in Cuba and beloved by many, the rum-based mojito is an inherently festive drink. Friend and colleague cocktail specialist David Alan has created this refreshing watermelon mojito and thoughtfully devised a shortcut to reduce the workload for even the most laid-back party throwers. Preparing the base drink ahead makes it easy to crank out drinks quickly. Adding the club soda at the last minute ensures that all drinks retain the proper level of fizz. So before you set out for the beach, muddle the mint leaves, lime juice, sweetener, and rum in a large pitcher. Stow it in the refrigerator along with several bottles of soda water and a bowl of peeled, seeded, and chunk-up watermelon. Leave a dozen or so eight-ounce Collins glasses on the kitchen counter and when you arrive home with your friends—dazzled and thirsty from a day in the sun—chilly, refreshing mojitos are just moments away.

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