Chilli mojito

Ingredients

• 170g (3/4 cup) white sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
• 2 egg whites
• 16 fresh mint sprigs
• 160ml (2/3 cup) lime cordial
• 2 limes, coarsely chopped
• 24 ice cubes
• 320ml white rum
• Soda water, to serve
• 2 long fresh red chillies (optional), halved, deseeded, thinly sliced

1. Method
   Place the sugar and chilli flakes in a mortar and pound with a pestle until finely crushed. (Alternatively, use a coffee or spice grinder.) Transfer to a small plate.
2. Use a fork to whisk the egg whites in a bowl until frothy. Dip the rim of 1 serving glass into the egg white, then into the chilli mixture to coat. Repeat with the remaining serving glasses. Set aside until set.
3. Divide the mint, cordial and lime among the glasses. Use the end of a rolling pin to gently pound until coarsely crushed. Divide the ice cubes and rum among the glasses. Top with soda water. Add a slice of chilli to each glass, if desired, to serve.