Champagne Mojitos - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

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