Bartender's note: Make simple syrup by blending two parts sugar to one part water. For example, 1 cup of sugar to 1/2 cup water. Gently heat the mixture just until sugar dissolves. Set aside to cool before using. Store in the refrigerator.

1. Pour wine, sparkling lemonade and half of the lime juice into a large pitcher and stir gently.
2. If using rum, gently stir it in now.
3. Taste the mixture. If it needs more tang, add the rest of the lime juice. If it needs more sweetness, add simple syrup to taste.
4. Right before serving, add the chopped mint to the pitcher.
5. Strain the mixture into tall glasses of ice. Garnish each glass with bunches of fresh mint sprigs and a sliced lime.
6. Make about 10 servings.