Monday, April 2, 2012

Strawberry-Basil Mojitos


One of my favorite things to do in the spring and summer is sit outside on the patio and have a fun fruity drink.  There is nothing more relaxing.  Whether we're at a restaurant, or I'm just sitting out back by myself reading, or we're all outside and Caroline's running around in the yard, it's all good.  

I really love mojitos, but this time I thought it would be fun to take them in a different direction.  Given my recent strawberry obsession, making them strawberry was a logical choice.  Then I decided to branch out even more, and forgo the mint in favor of basil.  I really love using fresh herbs in desserts and drinks.  A little goes a long way, and herbs give them a brightness and another depth of flavor without tasting like grass.  

I made a strawberry syrup using the same recipe as this sparkling strawberry lemonade, then just smashed some basil in the bottom of the glass, added the strawberry syrup, ice, and rum, and topped it off with some sparkling water.  This drink was bright, refreshing, and definitely dangerous.  I foresee these in my near future - I can prep a jar of the strawberry syrup, then just mix up the drinks anytime.  The directions are written per drink, but I think you could definitely make a pitcher.  Just add the strawberry syrup and rum to a large pitcher.  When ready to serve, muddle the basil leaves in each glass, add ice, fill each glass about 2/3-3/4 full, then top off with the sparkling water.  Instant party!

Strawberry-Basil Mojitos
Pink Parsley Original
Strawberry Syrup adapted from Sweet Melissa Baking Book

Strawberry Syrup
  • 1 heaping cup chopped strawberries
  • 2 Tbs sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • pinch salt
  • 2 Tbs cold water
Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and puree until smooth.  If you don't like the seeds, strain the syrup through a strainer.  Chill until ready to use

For Each Mojito:
  • 2-3 fresh basil leaves
  • 5 Tbs strawberry syrup
  • ice
  • 1 1/2 oz. light rum (adjust to your taste depending on how strong you like your drinks!)
  • sparkling water
  • strawberry slices and basil leaves for garnish
Use the back of a spoon or a muddler to bruise the basil in the bottom of the glass.  Add the strawberry syrup, ice, and rum, and top off the drink with sparkling water.  Garnish with strawberry slices and basil leaves and serve immediately.


15 comments:

Shawnda said...

These just shot to the top of my "I Can Drink Again" list :) I cannot wait to try this one!

Unknown said...

oh yum, that looks delicious, i'm def making one!

Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar said...

Love the sound of this! This drink is so pretty!

Becki's Whole Life said...

Definitely one of my favorite things to do, too! This sounds refreshing and love the combo of strawberries and basil. What a yummy drink!

Nicole, RD said...

I agree. That is such a relaxing activity in the summer...one of my favorites :) I love that this recipe doesn't have a ton of sugar!

spiceblogger said...

Definitely adding this to my cocktail list!

I would love to have you join my weekly link up party: Happy Hour Friday. I share a new cocktail each friday and invite others to join in.
Hope to see you there...

--Shelley

Emily @ She Makes and Bakes said...

Yum! I love strawberry mojitos, and I love basil. Great idea!

Lynsey said...

These sound delicious! Perfect for spring/summer. I will have to make these soon.

Eileen said...

Strawberries and mint, delicious! These sound like a slightly dangerous idea--how do you keep from making a big batch and drinking half the pitcher yourself? ;)

elly said...

We are growing mint for the sole purpose of mojitos. :) I've had strawberry and watermelon mojitos while out before and LOVED them. Totally making this one at home soon.

Joanne said...

Oh boy. This is definitely going to be the summer of the strawberry-basil mojito. My liver had better watch out.

Laura said...

I'm convinced strawberry syrup is one of the best things in the world. I've been making strawberry margaritas, which seem very similar, and they're to-die.

I've had a strawberry-basil mojito before, but it just used muddled strawberries. I know the syrup has got to kick it to the next level. Can't wait to try these! They sound too good.

Nikki said...

I'm coming over to kick my feet up with you on your patio as long as I can one of these in each hand! :) Home Depot had (maybe still has) 50% off their herb plants and I bought everything I needed, then forgot the mint! Arrrrgh. Going back today!

Rachel said...

These sound amazing and I cannot wait to try them! I've been on a strawberry kick, too!

MaryBeth said...

WOW..these sound amazing. I love that you used strawberries in the drink. Please stop by our blog and see the Peach Martinis we posted yesterday. www.dunkincooking.com

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