I learned to make this version of the mojito sitting at the bar at Alma de Cuba in Philadelphia. Authentic mojitos are made using sugar cane juice that i find to be too sweet and hard to come by. This vesion tones down the sweetness and is very smooth.
Place mint leaves in the bottom of a shaker and using a muddler, bruise the leaves. No need to pulverize them.
Add remaining ingredients, except club soda, to the shaker.
Fill shaker half full with ice and shake.
Pour into a tall glass making sure to include the mint leaves. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.