This variation of the Cuban favorite is a tad bit heartier than the original and gets away from the I-just-brushed-my-teeth taste.

In a collins glass pinch off 6-8 basil leaves and two tablespoons of sugar. Using a muddler or a wooden spoon, smash those leaves real good (If you have a large mortar and pestal, you'll be one step ahead of any bartender-use it to grind up the basil and sugar before adding to the glass). Add the juice from half a lime. Pour in your rum. Add ice, and top with the soda water.