Several years ago before it became fashionable, my friends discovered the magnificent Mojito. One of our favorite watering holes, The Brick, has Mojitos on their martini list and they make a great one. The basic recipe is simple.
3-4 fresh mint sprigs
2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 oz light rum
1/2 oz orange liquor
1/2 fresh lime
club soda
Muddle the mint and sugar in a tall glass. (That means smash it up, the end of a wooden spoon works great) Squeeze the lime into the glass and add the rum and the orange liquor. I like Bicardi Light Rum and Patron Citronage Orange Liquor. Fill the glass with club soda or other sparkling water (some use Sprite or 7 up but that is too sweet for me) and garnish with another sprig of mint and slice of lime.
Variations:
- Use simple syrup instead of sugar (Bars almost always do this)
- Omit the Orange liquor (its not really part of the basic recipe but I love it)
- Add fresh fruit when you muddle. Peaches, raspberries, blueberries, mangoes, strawberries are all terrific.
On Easter Sunday we generally have lunch in my garden and my friend Lee sets up a Mojito bar. Sipping Mojitos, we grill a leg of lamb and some seasonal vegetables.
If you like Mojitos, I strongly recommend that you grow your own mint. It is very easy to grow; so easy that you must be very careful to only plant it where is has definite boundaries or it will take over you whole yard! Grow it from seed, get small plants or find a fellow gardner with some to share. My little crop of mint has been shared with many friend and family. It need some sun to thrive and water although it seems to thrive almost anywhere, well drained soil is definitely a plus. Once you have mint, you will find endless ways to use it in addition to Mojitos.
- Chop it up in tabbouleh
- Marinate lamb chops of leg in mint, lemon, garlic and olive oil.
- Use in fresh fruit compotes
- Flavor iced tea
- Tie in bundles and put in your bath water
- Make mint sauce for lamb (Boil sugar, mint and vinegar then strain)
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