Place the strawberries, mint, and ½ cup of sugar in a cocktail shaker and muddle with a muddler to crush the strawberries and mint and blend flavors.
Add the rum, lime juice, and club soda. Stir.
Place the remaining sugar on a plate. Run a lime slice around the rim of a cocktail glass and dip the rim of the glass in the sugar.
Strain the strawberry mojitos into glasses and serve garnished with lime and mint leaves (if using).
Video
Notes
Tips and Substitutions
A cocktail shaker is ideal, but if you don't have one, you can use a quart mason jar. (this is what I did as my cocktail shaker has made it into my packed boxes for my move!)
If you use a mason jar, be sure to strain the muddled fruit before pouring into the drinking glass.
Swap out vodka for the rum.
Substitute the sugar in the beverage for ¼ to ⅓ cup of simple syrup. If this is done, you will still need to use ½ tablespoon when muddling the strawberries and mint. The grittiness from the sugar helps to release the oils and juices.
Depending on how sweet you like your drinks, reduce or increase the amount of sugar in the strawberry mojito.