Although it is snowing at the moment, Spring is usually a great time for sitting out on the patio and sipping on refreshing drinks. Our family has been so busy lately, but we’ve had a couple of sunny days so far, so we’ve been able to relax and enjoy some good food and drinks. I’m really not much of a drinker myself, but I do enjoy a pretty cocktail or beer once in a while.

I’ll be posting a few of my favorite drinks here and there. This first one reminds me of our days at the beach in Miami, Florida…sunny, hot days oceanside with a cool drink in hand. Surely, the best way to beat those Florida hot spring and summer days! The mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail. The original drink was made with caña de azucar, or sugarcane juice and Bacardi white rum, which makes the drink all the more refreshing. 

Fruity and light, a classic cocktail with an extra fun twist that can be served for any occasion. The simple syrup is infused with mint leaves which makes this cocktail extra chill. I added some edible flowers for garnish, which just made it extra beautiful to look at! I hope you enjoy it. Please drink responsibly.

Here is the recipe:

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 highball glass

Ingredients:

• Simple syrup (see recipe below)
• ½ cup of water
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime wedges
• Fresh blueberries
• Ice, crushed
• 2 oz. of Bacardi white rum
• Club soda

Directions for mint infused simple syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, add equal parts ½ cup of water and ½ cup of sugar on medium heat. Stir carefully for 1-2 minutes or until the water comes to a boil and the sugar has fully dissolved.
2. Take the saucepan off the heat and add a sprig of fresh mint leaves, then cover.
3. Allow the simple syrup to cool, then store in a glass container with a lid (mason jar) and refrigerate until it is ready to use.

Directions for Mojito:

Note: You can use a cocktail muddler if preferred.

1. In a highball glass add, the simple syrup, a lime wedge, 5 or 6 mint leaves, and a few blueberries.
2. Muddle the ingredients together for a few seconds in order to squeeze the lime juice from the lime wedge and mash the blueberries. This step will also help help release the oils from the mint leaves. Muddle carefully, so as not to break the glass (or see note).
3. Now add the rum, followed by the enough ice to fill most of your glass.
4. Add a splash of club soda, and garnish with a lime wedge, additional blueberries, and a fresh sprig of mint. Cheers!