Here’s a new twist on the mojito – instead of using mint I changed it up a bit and used basil. This time of year there is an abundance of so many different kinds of basil plants – so why not take advantage of them. This cool refreshing drink is perfect for spring and summer and is always a winner here at my home!
It feels like summer today!
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch (8 to 12) fresh small basil leaves or mint leaves, (reserve a few for garnish)
- 4 slices of lime
- 8 to 10 cups small ice cubes or chipped ice
- ½ oz of basil syrup (recipe follows) or simple syrup
- 1 oz of Malibu rum
- ¾ oz of fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz lemon or lime seltzer water or sparkling water
- basil leaves and lime to garnish
Basil Syrup Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup packed well-washed fresh basil leaves
Directions:
- Place bunch of basil leaves and lime slices in beverage shaker, then muddle adding in the rum, lime juice and basil simple sugar.
- Shake well and serve over ice in a highball glass.
- Top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water.
- Garnish each with a slice of lime and a basil spring.
Basil Syrup Directions :
- Place the sugar and the water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat, and add the basil leaves to the saucepan.
- Allow the syrup to sit for at least 1 hour before straining through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the basil leaves.
- Store the syrup in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator until ready to use. Syrup will keep, refrigerated, for several weeks.
Ali in the Valley
Photo by: Ali
