“… My mint in my garden has gone to seed! It’s so pretty. See!…”
I had to think quickly. I couldn’t let the mint go to waste. The only reason I grow the stuff is so that I can make my own Mojitos here at home. Mojitos. Sigh. One of the most refreshing summertime drinks; yet some years I am obsessed with them, and other years I’m like yeah, whatever. The weather here in the Okanagan has been ridiculously hot this summer, making people’s garden’s grow out of control and hence making me neglect my mint. It’s all your fault Hot Okanagan Summer. All. Your. Fault.
I need to confess that even though this is a very easy little recipe to throw together, I’ve never seen my kitchen counter such a mess. My cocktail shaker leaked. Everywhere! Purple minty juice as far as the eye on the counter can see. Then the seltzer water decides that it really really likes me. More fuzzy purple fizzies everywhere. I almost had to call the local clean pro express team to clean things up.
However, a roll of paper towels later, we were in business. Now a heads up, today we had virgins –
(and for those of you who do not prefer virgins, there are always naughty options)
– and they are not sweet. I don’t like sweet drinks really. So for you sweetness lovers, the option’s there to add more sugar and honey if you feel so inclined.
White rum is the naughty option of choice in a Mojito but you can also use Vodka. One too many of these refreshing wobbly-pops on a hot summer day will knock you on your cute little tooshie toosh though, so be careful! Or not. Nope. Not. ♥
- 10-15 blackberries
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
- Juice of ½ small lemon
- 1 tablespoon sugar or more if desired
- 1 tablespoon honey at room temperature
- 1-2 cups seltzer water
- ½ cup rum (optional)
- In a large cocktail shaker, muddle the blackberries, mint, sugar, honey and lemon until everyone is well incorporated with each other.
- If using rum, add the rum and place the strainer lid on the shaker and give it a good shake.
- Pour equal amounts into two glasses filled with ice, then slowly top off with the seltzer water.
- Sip and enjoy!
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