Strawberry Mojito

Alyson Stringer (originally from July/August 2005 Weekend magazine)
Yield: 8 servings
Comments/Memories

4 limes, cut into 8 chunks each
2 cups mint leaves, loosely packed, plus springs for garnishing
1/4 cup superfine sugar
8 large strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 1/2 cups white rum
2 cups crushed ice
Sparkling water

Place lime chunks and sugar in medium bowl. Gently crush or "muddle" with a muddler, wooden pestle or spoon until most of the juice is extracted from the limes, the mint leaves are well bruised and the sugar is fully dissolved. This should take about 5 minutes. Crush the strawberries lightly with a fork and add to the mixture. If the sugar isn't dissolved, let sit, stirring occasionally, until it is.
 

Transfer mixture to a pitcher and pour in rum. Stir well. Chill until ready to serve, then fill pitcher with crushed ice. Pour into glasses. Garnish each drink with a mint sprig. Top off with a splash (an ounce or two) of sparkling water.