Triple Citrus Mojitos

I was just flipping through the news feed when I saw a picture of a Mojito and it reminded me of a funny story. I was doing a cooking show in Chicago a few years back.  I can trace this show to my first year in the business, when my X-boyfriend's sister (My beloved friend Kristi) hosted. A couple of gentlemen were guests at the party,  they loved all the products, and decided to host their own show. A month or so later, I'm doing a final check in call a couple days before, and my Host says, "I made a terrible mistake, I put on all the invitations that the party was tomorrow instead of Sunday! Any chance you can come then? I have about 20 gay couples coming to the party!"  Luckily, it worked out that I was able to do the show. I had never had an all-male straight show, let alone an all-male gay show, so I wasn't sure what to expect. 


To my delight, it was probably the nicest show I have ever had. Lawyers, Doctors, Realtors, a Dentist and a variety of Professional, extremely handsome, helpful and attentive guests. Triple Citrus Mojitos were on the menu, and we made some mini bbq sandwiches and I think they even applauded when I finished the show. I will never think of Mojitos in the same way.   Now if you happen to love Mojitos but do not want to make them, I have a wonderful Cucumber Mint Mojito mix that serves 16 - send me a message on FB. 
ENJOY this wonderful weather! 

Triple-Citrus Mojitos
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 pkg (.75 oz) fresh mint leaves (about 1 1/4 cups leaves), divided
1 orange
2 lemons, divided
2 limes, divided
1/2 cup white rum (optional)
5 cups chilled lemon-lime soda

Directions:
1.  Combine sugar and water in Small Batter Bowl. Tear six mint leaves in half and place into Quick-Stir(R) Pitcher; set aside. Finely chop remaining leaves with Chef's Knife and place into batter bowl. Zest orange, one of the lemons and one of the limes using Zester/Scorer; add zest to mint mixture. Microwave on HIGH 2-3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.

2.  Slice orange, both of the lemons and both of the limes in half crosswise. Reserve half of one lemon and half of one lime for garnish. Juice remaining lemon and lime halves using Citrus Press; add juices to pitcher. Juice orange with Juicer; add juice to pitcher.

3.  Pour mint mixture through Strainer into pitcher; discard chopped mint. Add rum, if desired. Carefully add soda to avoid overflow. Slice reserved lemon and lime halves with Ultimate Mandoline fitted with v-shaped blade; place into pitcher. Place lid onto pitcher and plunge gently. Serve over ice.

Yield:  8 servings