Mango-Ginger Mojitos

In 'Spring Gatherings' by Rick Rodgers

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 8  slices  peeled fresh ginger (quarter-size slices)
• 1  cup  packed mint leaf, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
• 1  ripe mango, pitted, peeled, and coarsely chopped
• 3⁄4 cup  silver rum
• 1⁄2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1  cup  chilled  club soda
• 4  limes, rounds for garnish

Directions

1. Bring the sugar, ginger, and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Remove from the heat and add the mint.
3. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes.
4. Strain in a wire sieve over a bowl, pressing hard on the solids to extract the flavors; discard the solids.
5. Puree the mango, ginger-mint syrup, and lime juice in a blender.
6. Transfer to a pitcher.
7. When ready to serve, fill four tall glasses with ice.
8. Divide the mango mixture among the glasses and top off each with club soda.
9. Add a swizzle stick to each mojito so the guests can stir them.
10. Garnish each glass with a lime round and a mint sprig, and serve at once.