If you are a mojito fan, then you are soon to be a Basil Mojito fan as well. Every year, we plant herbs in pots in the backyard and always seem to have a bumper crop of basil. With only so many Italian and Asian recipes on hand, we find ourselves with a lot of basil and don't want it to go to waste. Enter idea ... what if we make a mojito and substitute basil for mint? ...and that is exactly what we did.

To make the rim, put 4 ounces of sugar and 2 or 3 basil leaves in a food processor for about 30 seconds (or until well combined). Once the mixture is well combined, transfer onto a plate, moisten the rim of your glass using a lime and then dip the rim in the sugar mixture. Once you're satisfied with the amount on the rim, set aside and let's get to mixin'.

Squeeze 1 ounce of fresh lime juice into a shaker (if you don't have fresh, you can make do with the squeezey lime). If you're using fresh limes, toss the limes into the mixer along with the juice. Next add 2 ounces of white rum into the mixer and throw in 5 or 6 fresh basil leaves (dried basil will not work as a substitute). Muddle this mixture until the basil leaves and limes are broken down ... the more you muddle the more flavor you'll get.

Pour the contents of the mixer into your glass, add ice and top off with Sprite Zero (approximately 2 ounces) ... garnish with another fresh basil leaf, take a photo, upload to Facebook to make your friends jealous and enjoy the drink while you watch your friends drool.

(The Facebook post is totally optional, but recommended :)

As an alternate to Sprite Zero, Fresca can be used.