Classic Mojito

If there is one cocktail that screams summer, it is a mojito. A favorite in our household, these refreshing lime and mint summer drinks are the perfect cocktail for a warm night or the compliment to a summer BBQ. If you grow mint in your garden, you are likely wondering what the heck to do with all of it. Mint will take over. So before you pull it all out like a weed, (because let’s face it, we can only eat so many mint and watermelon salads) make yourself one of these cocktails.

I like to mix up a simple syrup to keep on hand in the refrigerator. One cup of sugar, one cup of water and bowl it down until it turns syrupy. Cool and keep refrigerated. It’s a great addition to any homemade cocktail or juice.

I’m enjoying this drink as I type, so I apologize in advance for any typos.

Classic Mojito
1 small lime, cut into wedges
10-12 mint lives, roughly chopped
1 1/2 oz light rum (like Bacardi)
1/2 TBSP simple syrup
1/4 C club soda
1 C crushed ice

In a tall glass, squeeze limes and toss into bottom of the glass. Add mint. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, muddle mint and lime together to extract mint flavor and lime juice. Add rum, simple syrup, and club soda. Mix together. Add enough crushed ice to fill the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Enjoy some more summer cocktails with these folks around the web on Food Networks Summer Soiree!

Feed Me Phoebe: Grilled Strawberry-Mint Bellinis
The Lemon Bowl: Raspberry-Ginger Bellini
Jeanette’s Healthy Living: White Peach Sangria
The Heritage Cook: Refreshing Lime Coolers
The Cultural Dish: Pimm’s Cup
Virtually Homemade: Frozen Lime Margaritas with a Sangria Swirl 
Weelicious: Strawberry Lemonade 
Big Girls, Small Kitchen: Strawberry Gimlets with Homemade Strawberry Vodka
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Cucumber and Sage Cocktail
Red or Green: Frozen Tri-Melon Cocktail
Dishing With Divya: Caipirinha
In Jennie’s Kitchen: Cantaloupe Lillet Sparkler
Poet in the Pantry: Pirate’s Booty Call
Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Watermelon Malibu Surf
Sweet Life Bake: Boozy Affogato
Devour: 5 Boozy Summer Coolers
Domesticate Me: Blueberry Mojito Royale
Daily*Dishin: Blackberry Rum Shrub
Taste With The Eyes: Korean Soju Kimbap Bloody Mary
FN Dish: Sip Your Way Through Summer (Recipes)