PASSION FRUIT MOJITO

Treat yourself to a non-alcoholic mojito! You can make this sugar-free as well. Mojitos are a great alternative to lemonade in the summer. It’s always a good idea to have a quality mocktail on hand.

My husband and I enjoy a mojito every time we dine out so I knew I wanted to recreate them at home. Personally I love mocktails as I m NOT a soft drinks fan with my dinner. Basically, I like to build cocktails the same way I approach salads – the more fresh herbs and citrus, the better. And With lots of fresh mint, lemon, and lime, this drink screams perfection. . Add a good club soda and a splash of sugar (or agave) and take this drink right over the top.

Just because I don’t drink alcohol doesn’t mean I have miss out on amazing tasting beverages. I love non-alcoholic Mojitos. A virgin Mojito is a wonderful mixture of lime and mint—bubbling with sweetness. If you haven’t tried a Mojito yet, you are missing out. They are a great drink to serve to guests or just enjoy on a nice summer’s day.

And with an added twist of passion fruit….it elevates this mojito to a new level.

The “mojito,” which means “to cast a little spell,” has its roots in Cuba and rose to fame with the development of Bacardi rum on the island.

One secret to a great mojito is muddling the mint and the lime. Muddling refers to combining ingredients in the bottom of a cocktail glass with an instrument that looks like a small baseball bat. It extracts the great oils and flavors of both. If you don’t have a muddler, use the back of a spoon.

INGREDIENTS

6-8 whole Mint Leaves

2-3 Tablespoons Sugar

1 ounce fresh Lime Juice (30ml)

4 passion fruit….of which 2-3 Tablespoon fresh Passion fruit Juice *see note 1 for extracting

350ml Water

soda water….or even sprite

DIRECTIONS

Muddle the mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice together.

Add passion fruit juice and water to the muddled mix. (Add passion fruit seeds for an added texture) Divide half way, into 4 glasses. Now Fill with the soda water the other half of the glass.

Top with ice and fresh mint

RECIPE NOTES

*Note 1: Extracting Passion Fruit Juice

Cut the passion fruit in half then scrap out the seeds and pulp into a small mesh strainer. Over a small bowl to catch the juice, scrap the seeds and pulp using the back of a spoon in order to separate the pulp and juice from the seeds. Reserve the seeds if you enjoy them in your drinks or other recipes.

*Note 2: Mint Simple Syrup

(keeps quite well, so make more than needed and use for iced tea, making lemonade, cocktails, etc...)

Combine 2 cups (480ml) water, 2 cups (400g) sugar, and a large handful of mint leaves in a medium saucepan. Heat just until a light simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and allow mint to steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain and store in refrigerator until ready to use.