In the past, you would never catch me drinking a mojito. Just like mint ice cream, it fells very wrong to swallow something that is minty. Think about it, throughout out childhood we are forbidden from swallowing anything minty: gum, toothpaste, mouth wash. So why on earth did I go for not only a mojito, but one made with mint infused simple syrup? For some strange reason it sounded delicious to me – maybe it was the strawberries.

After the club soda exploded all over me (it had been sitting there undisturbed for two days – it was possessed), the mojito was successfully made and enjoyed. It was a bit sweeter than the mojitos I have tried in the past, and the mint flavor was not as strong. And I liked that. Give me another round, please and thank you.

STRAWBERRY MOJITO

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish

2-1/2 oz mint simple syrup, divided (recipe below)

2 oz rum

1-1/2 oz club soda

1/2 cup fresh strawberries

Juice of one lime

Directions:

1. Combine strawberries, rum, 1.5 oz simple syrup and lime juice into a blender and puree until smooth. Gently mix in the club soda, set aside.
2. In the bottom of a glass, add 1 oz simple syrup and the mint leaves. Muddle with a muddler or use the clean bottom of something blunt. Add ice to the glass, and pour in the blended mixture. Mix with a long spoon or knife and serve with an additional sprig of mint.

MINT SIMPLE SYRUP

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

10 fresh mint leaves

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat just until it bubbles. Turn down to low for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 15-20 minutes.

Source: Adapted from How Sweet It Is and My Life as a Mrs.