Mojito

True wisdom lies in
gathering the precious things
out of each day as it goes by:
E.S. Bouton

Mojito
If the Mojito was one of Ernest Heminway's favorite drink it works for me too! Ernest Hemingway made the bar called La Bodequita del medio famous as he was  one of their regulars. He even wrote on the bar's 
 wall " Mi mojito en la Bodeguita" (My mojito at the Bodeguita) These words can still be read today on the wall in his handwriting. Note you will have to go to Havana to actually see this for yourself. 

A Mojito traditionally is made of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime, sparking water and mint. The original Cuban recipe uses spearmint. In the past few years the mojito has become a popular summer drink.




Cook's notes: There are a variety of Mojito recipes but an important step not to skip is making your own simple syrup ahead of time. The syrup keeps in the refrigerator several weeks covered.
Simple Syrup
Heat equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan until just before boiling. Stir until sugar has completely dissolved.




Ingredients:

• 2-1/2 oz light rum or try using mango rum which really kicks up the taste 
• 1 lime 
• 1 TB. simple syrup 
• mint leaves 
• ice 
• club soda 

Directions:

• Place 4 mint leaves and 1 TB. simple syrup in a glass and squish it all around with a spoon for 25 seconds till you have a good minty smell. This is called muddle. 
• Cut the lime in half and squeeze juice out from both halves into the glass. 
• Pour in rum and stir. 
• Add ice and top mixture off with club soda. 
• Garnish with a lime and serves. 
  

A French word used to express friendly feelings towards one's companions before drinking. 

Try a Mojito Fruit Salad that captures same refreshing Mojito flavors found in the drink.  

Cook's notes: Mojito Fruit Salad is a fresh fruit salad tossed with a minty sugar/lime mixture with a little rum for a kick. It's versatile using any kind of fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, honey dew, red grapes, and blueberries. You could even leave the rum out for a  a non alcoholic fruit  salad.

http://spicysouthernkitchen.com/mojito-fruit-salad/