The genius of a summer cocktail lies in simplicity. While hot days bear down, a cool and easy-to-prepare refresher is in high demand. A mojito is just what late spring and summer call for — the tropical taste of rum and the playful bubbles recall memories of an unforgettable getaway, and then the tart lime and clean mint bring you back to earth. Mojitos walk the fine line between vacation and everyday cocktail.

The key to a great mojito lies in the process. A muddle and stir are easy skills to master, and mint and lime are readily available throughout spring and summer months. The lime, rum, and sugar all bind together through the rough pressure of muddling. Only a hint of mint is necessary, though enthusiasts may prefer mashing the mint in with the sugar and rum. Adding mint with a light stir or shake provides the ideal cool splash without overwhelming or dulling the sweet flavor of this cocktail. Meanwhile, keep the flavor profile of this drink simple by using white rum. While aged or spiced rums provide an interesting twist, their heavier flavors are not well suited for spring and summer months.

Honeybee Mojito

1 tablespoon honey
1/4 lemon
2 mint leaves
1.5 ounces white rum
Ice
Soda water

Squeeze the lemon into a glass and drop the squeezed wedge into the shaker. Add honey, mint leaves, and rum. Shake until honey has dissolved into the liquid. Use more vigorous shake than with the classic mojito. When the honey has integrated with the rum and lemon juice, top with ice and soda water. Makes 1 cocktail. Give it a stir, and enjoy the buzz of the honeybee mojito.

Classic Mojito

1.5 ounces white rum
1 teaspoon super fine sugar
1/4 lime wedge
2 mint leaves
Soda water

Into a shaker squeeze lime wedge. Drop the lime wedge and sugar into the glass. Muddle these two together. Do not muddle the mint. Broken pieces of mint release a stronger flavor, and the shreds are unpleasant to drink. Instead, take the mint in one hand and smack it with the other hand. This method bruises the mint enough to release the oils and crisp flavor. Add the mint and rum to the glass. Shake lightly. Pour the mixture into a highball glass. Add ice and top with soda water. Makes 1 cocktail. Give it a quick stir and enjoy.

Blended Strawberry Mojito

4.5 ounces white rum
8 strawberries, stems removed
1/2 lime, juiced
3 mint leaves
1 cup ice
2 tablespoons sugar
Soda water

In a blender combine rum, strawberries, lime juice, mint, ice, and sugar. Because the mint will be chopped up in the blender, this recipe uses a bit less than other variations. Pour 8 ounces of the mixture into a festive glass and top with soda water. Makes 3 cocktails. Enjoy with a mint or strawberry garnish.