Cocktail of the Week: Brown Sugar and Citrus Cocktail

After a couple of disappointing drink recipes, the folks at Martha Stewart Living redeemed themselves with a great rum-based cocktail in the latest issue. It's perfect for summer; rum, mint and citrus enriched with a brown sugar simple syrup. Fix up a batch and hit the patio.

Brown Sugar and Citrus Cocktail
Adapted from Martha Stewart Living.
Makes 8 cocktails. (Or four if you pour them like I do!)

1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 cups fresh orange juice
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
6 ounces light rum (although a mix of light and dark rum might also be nice with the heft of the brown sugar)
Orange slices, lime slices and mint sprigs for garnish

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring brown sugar and water to a boil, stirring until brown sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add mint leaves. Let steep 10 minutes; strain and discard leaves. Let cool.

Stir orange and lime juices, rum and syrup together in a pitcher. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with fruit and mint sprigs.

Cheers!