Champagne Mojitos

• sugar↗3⁄4 cup
• water↗3⁄4 cup
• packed mint leaves, plus↗1 1⁄2 cup
• mint sprigs, for garnish↗12
• limes, cut into wedges↗6
• light rum↗2 cup
• cracked ice
• champagne or 3 cups sparkling wine↗3 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook over high heat just until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.

2. 2

   In a large pitcher, combine the sugar syrup with the mint leaves and lime wedges and muddle well with a wooden spoon. Add the rum and stir well. Strain the drink into another pitcher.

3. 3

   Fill tall glasses with cracked ice and pour in the drink, filling them about two-thirds full. Top with Champagne, garnish with the mint sprigs and serve.

4. 4

   MAKE AHEAD The mojitos can be prepared through Step 2. Refrigerate the mojitos in the pitcher overnight.