Fresh Strawberry Mojitos

Pour the sugar into a medium saucepan and add the water. Bring the mix to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved. Turn off the heat and set it aside to cool for 10-15 minutes.

Once the simple syrup has cooled off, pour it into a blender and add the strawberries. Blend together until all the syrup is smooth and frothy. You can strain this if you don’t want the strawberry seeds in the mix, but they’re not really noticeable in the drinks.

Cut 1 of the limes into thin slices and add 2 slices to the bottom of 4 glasses. Divide the mint between the glasses and pour in a ¼ cup or so of the strawberry simple syrup.

Muddle the lime, mint, and strawberry syrup together until the limes start to break down and the mint is a little crushed. Squeeze some juice from the remaining lime into each glass. Add 2 ounces of rum to each glass, then slowly pour in ½ cup of sparkling water.

Drop a few ice cubes in each drink, stir, and serve.