Can I prepare a mojito day in advance?

While you can certainly prepare the ingredients for a mojito in advance, it's best to assemble and mix the mojito just before serving. That said, you can muddle the mint and sugar in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to serve, add the lime juice, rum, and soda water and stir to combine. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Mojito Ingredients:

* Fresh mint leaves

* Sugar (preferably superfine sugar)

* Lime juice (freshly squeezed)

* White rum

* Soda water (club soda or sparkling water)

Preparations in Advance:

1. Mint and Sugar Muddle:

- Wash and pat dry the mint leaves.

- In a sturdy glass or mortar, combine the mint leaves and sugar.

- Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush and release the mint's natural oils.

2. Store the Muddle:

- Transfer the mint and sugar muddle to an airtight container.

- Place the container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to a day.

On the Day of Serving:

1. Gather Ingredients:

- Make sure you have all the remaining ingredients: lime juice, white rum, and soda water.

2. Assemble the Mojito:

- Retrieve the mint and sugar muddle from the refrigerator.

- Add the freshly squeezed lime juice to the muddle.

- Pour in the white rum.

3. Mix and Stir:

- Use a long spoon to stir the contents in the glass or mortar.

- Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mint, lime, and rum are well combined.

4. Add Ice and Soda Water:

- Add a generous amount of crushed ice to fill the glass.

- Top off with the soda water or club soda.

5. Garnish and Serve:

- Garnish the mojito with a few fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge.

- Serve the mojito immediately.

Remember that mojitos are best when enjoyed fresh, so it's not recommended to prepare the entire drink in advance. But by prepping the mint and sugar muddle ahead of time, you can save some time and effort when you're ready to serve your mojitos.