The Refreshing Mojito

Is mint growing furiously in your garden? You’re looking at it and thinking of all the wonderful recipes you can come up with for that mint. Some that came to mind for me was mint chocolate chip cookies, boiled potatoes with fresh mint, mint-parsley pesto, mint julep, minted iced tea, and then the one that took hold of us today, The Mojito.

The Mojito is Cuban in origin and is a rum based cocktail that immediately offers a cold, citrusy zing with every “Ah” inspiring sip. Based on a recipe from allrecipes.com (“The Real Mojito)

To make cocktails for 2:

20 fresh mint leaves
1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
4 scant teaspoons of granulated sugar (more if you prefer it sweeter but I think that takes away from the refreshing taste)
1 cup of ice cubes
3 oz white rum
1 cup chilled club soda

Put mint leaves and 2 lime wedges into a large pitcher. Use a long wooden spoon to crush the mint and mash the lime just to release flavors and juices.

Add 4 more lime wedges and the sugar. Mash again with the wooden spoon to get more lime juice and mix in the sugar.

WithOUT straining add half the ice then pour the rum over the top. Pour in 1/2 the club soda.

Divide evenly between two glasses.

Finish the drink by pouring the rest of the club soda into each glass to fill. Garnish with the remaining lime wedges and a mint leaf or two.

To celebrate Father’s Day, I’m thinking mint chocolate chip cookies (*The kitchen isn’t finished but the small oven has been installed. At least I can bake a batch of cookies…it’s just that I have no counter to put them on. Where there’s a will there’s a way!) and mint juleps. So glad Ted’s a dad and we get to celebrate his day As for my dad, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, DAD! Wish we were with you in S.C. to celebrate the worlds BEST Dad!