Mojitos

The Mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail that is sweet, tart, and has the flavor of fresh mint in it.   This recipe originally published in November 2011.

It's summer and since I'm not working that means it's cocktail time!  Sure I'm with my son most of the time but that only means that cocktail time starts at 8pm instead of earlier.

I like cocktails that are cool and refreshing in the heat of the summer.  One of my summer favorites is the mojito.  I love the tartness of the lime paired with the sweetness from the simple syrup with the light flavor of fresh mint. 

Ingredients:

• white rum
• fresh mint leaves
• fresh lime juice
• simple syrup
• seltzer water

To make the mojito combine the rum, mint, and lime juice in a tall glass.   Muddle the ingredients together to get the mint to release its flavor.

Fill the same glass with ice. 

Add the simple syrup and mix well.

Fill the rest of the glass with seltzer glass.  Add a straw, stir, and enjoy!

My garden is full of mint so this is a great way to use it.   While my original recipe only used 5 mint leaves I usually use a good handful from the garden because I have so much of it.

Feel free to use as much or as little mint as you'd like.  While a traditional mojito uses spearmint I use peppermint because it's what I grow.  Any fresh mint will work.

I usually end up making these at home because most places I frequent don't make them because they don't have fresh mint available.

Can I use any type of fresh mint?

Yes!  Use your preference or whatever you have available.  Please don't use mint extract as it's no where near the same experience.  You have to use fresh mint.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Of course you can.  I prefer fresh because the flavor is better but bottle lime juice is fine in a pinch.  You can even use key lime juice to change it up a bit.

Can I use something instead of seltzer water?

You can use any type of fizzy water.  While I prefer to use plain you could use lemon or lime flavored and it would simply add to the over all flavor.  If you don't have fizzy water I've used ginger ale or lemon lime soda in a pinch.   Just reduce the amount of simple syrup when adding a soda.

I don't have simple syrup, can I make it?

Yes!   Simple syrup is simply equal parts of water and sugar.  Place in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Store in the refrigerator.

I started making mojitos several years ago using trial and error and over the years I've perfected it to my tastes.  You may need a little more lime or simple syrup depending on how you like your mojito.  Either way this it a cool, crisp drink perfect for the hot weather.

More Summer Cocktail Recipes:

• Lemon Mint Smash
• Moscow Mule
• Blueberry Mojito
• Meyer Lemon Margarita
• Plum Ginger Whiskey Sour

If you’ve tried my Mojitos or any other recipe on Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can FOLLOW ME on:

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