strawberry lemonade mojito
WAHOO WEEKEND LET’S TOAST.
It’s Friday, and I don’t feel like shit, so a cocktail is in order. The past few days, aside from usual recipe woes and annoyances (including the towing conundrum, which is still in the background) proved a bit more stable, and even though a brief and small victory I will take it and hold it close.
Even my run this morning (being Friday), in the still and humid predawn, went nicely, seemed rhythmic. That doesn’t happen all that much nowadays what with the advent of my crazy allergies. And I wasn’t even going to run! Love when the unplanned goes to plan, you know?
Honestly, I needed that, and this Strawberry Lemonade Mojito, to work out, because I tried a different cocktail Thursday afternoon and chucked it because it sucked. Waste of a perfectly good portion of wine. I know those flops come with the territory, but it hasn’t gotten a whole lot easier to accept when wastage occurs.
Thankfully, this colorful, happy drink is perfect, just like you, so deserves a place in your rotation. Mojitos are really simple as a rule, and the addition of fresh strawbees and a dash of tangy lemonade boosts up the classic into an extra refreshing portion of awesome. A handful of ingredients and a tasty result. My favorite kind of recipe nowadays.
Strawbabies!
Strawberries and tomatoes – red fruits, really – are my favorite produce items to work with right now. There’s no being sad around a ripe strawberry, especially when it’s muddled into a cocktail. Right? Right.
The typical mojito contains simple syrup, mint, leaves, lime, and rum, but we switch it up a little by adding some berries and swapping out the lime for lemonade. I call for honey in this recipe as a sweetener, but I find that I don’t usually need any extra sweetness since the lemonade and the berries provide a touch already. You are welcome to use the honey, however, and as much as you need.
As far as the lemonade goes, either make a batch of your favorite recipe or buy a good-quality bottle. Head to the pressed juice section of your grocery store for the best option, or Simply and Newman’s Own are good, widely-available brands that don’t taste like a syrupy explosion of concentrated bullshit.
Now, get mixing! I start with a lemon sugar rim – just lemon zest and sugar, wow such concept much surprise – then, in a shaker, muddle the berries and mint leaves until nice and squish. Get those juices out as much as possible.
Add in the honey, if you’re using, lemonade, and rum. Shake it all up with some ice, then strain or pour (if you like the solids) into the prepared glass. Top off with some sparkling water, fresh berries, and mint. There’s your drink, fellas!
To make a pitcher version: I recommend pureeing the strawberries in a blender or food processor if you’re batching your mojitos. Crush 2 cups of fresh berries, then stir in a large punch bowl or pitcher with 1/2 cup mint leaves, 2 cups lemonade, and 1 cup of rum. Chill for at least an hour. Top each glass individually with bubbly water and set out a platter of garnishes for folks to enjoy as they will.
A new favorite summer sip? Don’t mind if I do!
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Mojito mania:
strawberry lemonade mojito
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, halved
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 1-2 tsp honey
- 1/4 cup good-quality lemonade
- 2 oz white rum
- sparkling water, to top
Instructions
- On a shallow plate, toss the sugar with the lemon zest until combined. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip and swirl in the sugar to coat. Shake off excess and fill the glass with ice.
- In a shaker or jar, muddle the strawberries with the mint leaves until squishy. Add the honey, rum and lemonade. Fill with ice and shake until cold. Strain, or simply pour, into the prepared cocktail glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves, as desired.
