The Refreshing Summer Cocktail

Hello, I’m Jenni from  A Well Crafted Party. I'm so very excited to be guest posting for Lauren today. I've been reading A Fabulous Fete for party inspiration for ages now. I was honored, excited, and a little flummoxed when Lauren asked if I wanted to hop on over here while she was enjoying her honeymoon. (Congrats by the way!) The first thing that popped into my head when she asked was, “YES.” The second was, "What will I post about!?!" The third thing that popped into my head was, "I need a drink." And, that is how I decided on this topic. 

Well, not really, but, I am going to teach you how to make three of my favorite summer cocktails and their non-alcoholic relatives. 

When looking for great summer drinks I like to find drinks that are refreshing and that use fresh, in-season herbs, vegetables, and/or fruit. The Mojito, to me, screams summer. 

The Classic Mojito

Ingredients/Tools:

1 Shaker (or two cups that will substitute)

1 Measuring tool (a shot glass works great)

1 1/4 oz Simple Syrup*

1 1/4 oz White Rum

4-6 Mint Leaves

1/2 lime sliced into wedges

Ice

Soda Water (4 oz)

*Make an easy and tasty simple syrup with just sugar and water. It is much more cost effective than purchasing! Simple Syrup recipe from about.com. 

Directions:

Fill the shaker with ice. Add mint leaves, squeezed lime wedges of 1/2 lime, Simple Syrup, and Rum to shaker. Shake like crazy. Pour all into a glass and top with soda water. Garnish with mint sprig and lime if you so please. And, sit back and sip in a little bit of summer. 

For a non-alcoholic Mojito double the simple syrup and leave out the rum. It will be a deliciously sweet, mint-lime soda.

check back later this week for a few more mojito recipes jenni whipped up for you!

xo. lauren