Holiday Mojito

For when it's time to get into the holiday spirit....or spirits, as the case may be. It will take you from humbug to humdinger, so says Scrooge.

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• For the Calvados base

• 1  cup apple cider
• 1⁄3 cup calvados
• 2  cinnamon sticks
• 2  star anise
• 1  apple, cut into chunks

• For the mojitos

• 20  fresh mint leaves
• 6  ounces light rum
• 4  ounces  simple syrup
• 1⁄2 cup lime juice
•  ice cube
• 4  cinnamon sticks, optional garnish
• 4  sprigs of fresh mint, optional garnish

Directions

1. To make the calvados base, in a small saucepan over low combine all ingredients. Heat for 30 minutes, then strain, discarding the solids, then set aside to cool.
2. To make the mojitos, place the mint leaves in a medium pitcher. Muddle until lightly bruised. Add the rum, simple syrup and lime juice; mix well. Add 2 cups of ice, then stir well. Serve in tall glasses rimmed with brown sugar, if desired. Garnish each with a cinnamon stick and mint sprig.