I started making this drink last year and everyone who has had one said it's the best ever. Two things make the difference here: key limes - you can use regular limes but get key limes if you can, and lots of mint leaves. I get ours from my mother's garden but to get that refreshing minty taste don't hold back on this key ingredient.
Here's what you need for one serving (about 12 oz):
1/8 to 1/4 cup Bacardi rum (1/8 cup for my sister and I, 1/4 cup for everyone else)
2 - 4 splashes of bitters (you can buy this at the grocery store)
juice from 1 key lime, maybe a little more
1/3 cup fresh mint leaves washed and dried
2 - 3 tsp sugar (it's a bit to taste)
10 oz bottle of tonic water already cold
crushed ice
In a smallish round bottom bowl combine the mint leaves, the sugar, and the lime juice. You need to mash the mint leaves really well so use the back of a spoon or something comparable to get the job done. (I use a wooden Mexican hot chocolate mixer - I know, odd, but it's what I had that worked.) Spend a little time mashing the mint, ultimately you want it to look like cooked spinach, then set it aside. Fill your glass/cup about 1/2 way with crushed ice then fill about 2/3's of the way with tonic water. Add the rum and a few splashes of bitters. Now pour your mint mash in and fill the rest of the way with tonic. Stir or shake really well. Top with a fresh sprig of mint and give it to someone you love!
Have a Happy Fourth of July everyone!
