The Perfect Mojito!

It was a long, long time ago, but I used to bar-tend (funnest job EVER by the way!)

So when I make drinks, I like them just so. No powered mixes please-Make your own sour mix- totally easy and much better than pre made or powered- trust me. Just mix lemon juice, lime juice, sugar and water. Adjust to your taste (but it should still be sour, not too sweet) mix till the sugar dissolves- and that's it! This will keep in your fridge for a few weeks. Perfect in margaritas or Tom Collins or any drink that requires using sour mix.

I am getting a little off track though- This post is about my famous Mojito. The perfect, fresh & light summer drink!

This drink takes a bit of time to prep and mix, but it is well worth it and you will be happy with the results!

You will need:

Rum, sugar, simple syrup, fresh limes, lime juice, mint, and sparkling water. You will also need a muddler or use the back of a wooden spoon.

Into each glass add 7-9 mint leaves.

I like my mojitos to be minty! I also grow my own mint, but most grocery stores will carry fresh mint. If you do plant your own mint for mojitos make sure you plant spearmint, not applemint or peppermint. They don't taste the same and are not good for mojitos! I made that mistake already! Also mint grows LIKE CRAZY so it's best to give it it's own container or it will take over your garden!

Just pinch or cut a bunch of leaves off, give them a rinse & you are good to go!

Add 2-3 limes wedges.

A spoonful of sugar;

Then muddle it all together. If you are not sure of what the heck a muddler is, this is what mine looks like;

They come in wood, metal bamboo etc, but basically are just a think handle. You could also use a mortar and pestle, but it's easier to muddle right in the glass so you don't lose any of the flavor.

(sorry for the blurry shot, I just couldn't get my iphone to focus on this one-hard to muddle & take a photo at the same time!)

The sugar gives a bit of grit so everything blends together. The idea here is to squish the limes to get the juice out and "bruise" the mint to bring out the flavour.

Add 1&1/4 - 2 oz rum.

I like to use Appleton Rum- I find the taste richer than white rum, but most mojitos are made with white rum, so feel free if that is your preference or what you have on hand.

1 oz lime juice. Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled is fine too.

1/2 - 1oz simple syrup to taste.

I only have a photo of me pouring the syrup. You could add sugar but it usually doesnt disolve. I use simple syrup in all my drinks where I want to add sweetness- it mixes right in to give a consistant sweet flavor. Make your own by boiling 1 part water and add 1 &1/2 or 2 parts sugar. Stir till sugar is completly disolved, then cool and keep in the fridge for 3 weeks.

Stir it all together, add ice;

And top with sparkling water.

I like San Pellegrino or Perrier instead of club soda. I find the club soda tastes a bit too salty, but again that is my preference.

keep it layered like this and add a straw so your guests can mix it themselves. It looks so nice darker on the bottom with the sparkling water floating on the top.

Garnish with a lime wedge and serve!

My limes look a little sad dont they? Cut a small slit in each wedge so they sit nicely on the rim of the glass.

This is such a yummy summer drink everyone will be asking for refills at your next get together. If you make it one glass at a time you will be at it all night! This can be made in a pitcher as well, just adjust amounts accordingly. I like to keep it concentrated and add the ice and sparkling water as you serve each drink.

Cheers!