Photo: Ditte Isager

Mixologist Julie Reiner is known for creating inventive cocktails at bars like the recently opened tiki-themed Lani Kai in New York City. But at home, she'll set up a simple make-your-own mojito station, complete with a variety of fruits: "That way, I don't have to play bartender all night." For the best results, Reiner recommends using one kind of fruit in each glass. To serve eight, you'll need about six or seven cups of fruit total.

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 cups white or aged rum
• 3/4 cup lime juice, strained (from about 8 limes)
• 1 large bunch fresh mint leaves
• Fruit, as desired, peeled and diced (you'll need about 1/3 cup fruit per drink):
• Raspberry
• Strawberry
• Blackberry
• Blueberry
• Pineapple
• Kiwi
• Orange
• Blood Orange
• Mango
• Pear
• Watermelon
• Crushed ice, as desired
• Seltzer water, as desired

Directions

Total time: 25 minutes

Bring 1/2 cup water to a light boil. Add sugar and stir until sugar dissolves to create a simple syrup. Remove from heat and let cool.

In a pitcher, stir together simple syrup, rum, and lime juice. Chill at least 30 minutes.

To make mojitos: In a glass, have guests mix together about 1/2 cup drink mix, 8 to 10 mint leaves, and about 1/3 cup of a fruit. With a muddler or wooden spoon, muddle the ingredients together. Add crushed ice and stir; top with a splash of seltzer water.