Coconut Rum Mojito

One of my favorite summer drinks is the Mojito. The refreshing mint-lime combination makes this one cocktail you can sit back and relax with no matter where you are for an instant summer getaway. Using coconut rum adds a more tropical spin on this classic drink which typically incorporates white rum, simple syrup, lemon juice, mint, and club soda.

I’ll be honest, I don’t usually use exact measurements when I’m mixing drinks, but below is a general idea of what to include the next time you feel like playing bartender.

Ingredients:
•Coconut Rum
•Club Soda
•Simple Syrup **directions below
•Mint Leaves
•Lime Juice
•Ice

Instructions:

Simple syrup:

Mix equal parts sugar and water (ie. 1 cup of sugar for 1 cup of water) in a saucepan over medium-heat. Be sure to stir frequently until you reach a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.

**I like to keep simple syrup on hand for a variety of baking and drink recipes. If you’re short on time, you can substitute flavored syrups or a splash of your favorite fruit juice to sweeten your mojito.

The Mojito:

I like to choose the glass I’m going to serve my drinks in first so that I don’t dirty too many dishes. For this recipe, I chose a small glass canning jar.

Add the mint and simple syrup to your glass and muddle the ingredients together to release the flavors and aromas of the mint. If you don’t have a muddler, the backside of a tablespoon or the handle of a wooden spoon works just as well.

Then add the rum to taste, followed by the club soda. Top off with some ice and give everything a stir. Garnish with some fresh mint leaves and enjoy!