Summer is 4th of July, BBQs, and Mojitos!

I am just in love with mojitos. I just wish it was summer year round so I could enjoy them, as they are a definitely a warm weather drink. The fresh mint added to a Mojito is what makes it so refreshing and a splash of club soda keeps it light and sparkly. There are plenty of ways to vary this classic drink that is the perfect way to relax and keep cool on a hot, humid summer evening.

I had my first Mojito in Miami and that was it- I was sold- but it has to be fresh and hand made- nothing pre-mixed here. So far, I have found that Bacardi White Rum makes the perfect Mojito. I have used Mount Gay a few times and that is okay too, but generally speaking, lighter rum is better. There are plenty of flavored rums too, which work well- I prefer the Malibu or Parrot Bay Passion Fruit Rum. Mango or Coconut Rum aren't bad choices either.

If using a non-flavored rum, simple syrup will be needed to sweeten up the Mojito. You can make your own or buy it at the store- making it is pretty easy, though, and way less expensive. Take one part water, two parts sugar, bringing the water to a boil, add the sugar, stir until it dissolves, and let it cool. You'll only need a couple of tablespoons or less (depending on your glass size) to sweeten.

Fresh mint is needed, at least a sprig or two, muddled. I prefer to muddle my mint in a glass of ice (usually a nice, fresh from the freezer pint glass) with the back of a spoon. Then I cut up a lime into small pieces, and place in the glass as well. Add rum, simple sugar and a splash of club soda to give it some sparkle and then garnish with another sprig of mint.

So how is this a 4^th of July drink? Well, I like to give my Mojitos a bit of color- a splash of grenadine gives it a nice pink hue, and can also double for a sweetener, so less simple syrup is needed. I suppose it's kind of cheating, but I consider the grenadine splash to be my red. Then I keep some classic Mojitos (or using the flavored rum, minus the sugar) for my white, and then make a couple more with some blueberries at the bottom for my blue- they don't really affect the taste, but it makes a great presentation. I usually put the rum and simple syrup in a shaker to make it extra cold, and it keeps the ice lasting longer in the drinks.

To me, summer is all about fun, sun and warmth. Having a Mojito only makes it more fun!