Tequila Mojitos

Prep: 10 min., Cook: 8 min., Stand: 2 hrs. The simple syrup needed for this beverage may be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Yield: Makes 5 cups

Ingredients

• 1  cup  water
• 3/4  cup  sugar
• 1  cup  fresh mint sprigs
• 2  cups  lemon-lime soft drink, chilled
• 1  cup  fresh lime juice
• 1/2  cup  tequila
• Garnish: fresh mint sprigs, lime slices

Preparation

1. Bring 1 cup water and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan. Boil, stirring often, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; add mint sprigs, and let stand 2 hours or until mixture is completely cool.

2. Pour mixture through a wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding mint. Stir in lemon-lime soft drink, lime juice, and tequila. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.