Make a simple syrup: Combine ½ cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar in a small saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar has fully dissolved— about 5 minutes. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
Juice lemons and limes.
Transfer the simple syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, and mint leaves to a blender, along with the remaining 1 cup of water. Blend until the syrup is well combined and the mint is finely chopped— about 30 seconds on high speed.
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
One batch of syrup will make about 8 cocktails. You can store the syrup in the fridge for up to four days.
For the Cocktail
Pour 2 oz of the mint syrup into a cocktail shaker or highball glass.
Pour 2 oz of the vodka into a cocktail shaker or highball glass. Stir to combine. ( If using a cocktail shaker, transfer the mixture into a highball glass.)
Fill the cup with ice and top club soda.
Garnish with a wheel of lemon and sprig of fresh mint, if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
This recipe makes enough simple syrup to make 8 bootlegger cocktails. Each individual drink uses 2 ounces of the syrup and 2 ounces of vodka.
The vodka can be substituted for gin or bourbon— or left out entirely for a nonalcoholic variation.
I like my bootlegger cocktails on the sweeter side! If you prefer a more sour drink, you can add one extra lemon and one extra lime, or reduce the amount of sugar from ½ cup to ⅓ or ¼ cup— depending on your taste preferences.