INGREDIENTS:
3⁄4 cup maple sugar
3⁄4 cup water
11⁄2 cups packed mint leaves + 12 mint sprigs
6 limes, cut in wedges
5 Star anise
2 cups light rum
3 cups champagne or sparkling wine
Cracked ice
DIRECTIONS:
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 drink into another pitcher. Fil glasses with cracked ice and pour drink, filling about two-thirds full. Top with champagne, garnish with mint sprigs, star anise, and serve.
TIPS FROM THE KITCHEN:
The mojitos can be prepared through and refrigerated in the pitcher overnight.