After stuggling with the Mojito for months (which sucked, cuz I live in Miami
and it's my favorite drink), I finally got it by changing two things. First of
all, forget club soda. Use Sprite or 7-up. That's how most bars make it and it
clearly tastes better. Second, I had been using simple syrup because I figured
it would help with the texture and all. Instead, it watered down the drink.
having said that, here's what I'm doing now.
3 lime wedges (I make a small cut in each so the juice will come out when I
muddle it). I throw in a bunch of mint leaves (maybe 6-8). Add granulated
sugar (however much seems right) and a splash of Sprite. Muddle. Then add ice
and rum, shake well, and top with maybe an ounce of Sprite. Huge improvement
over the way I had been making them; this one tastes right.
As for the Mint Julep, can't help you there since I've never made one!
Good luck,
David