A mojito is a classic cocktail, traditionally made with rum, sugar, lime juice, mint and club soda. We’ve made a non-alcoholic version here, with a mint-infused simple syrup for added flavor, and fresh strawberries for pretty color!
A simple syrup is easy to make and an essential component to any cocktail. To make it, boil equal amounts of water and sugar and let it cool. This magic liquid adds sweetness to drinks without the graininess you get when you mix in sugar directly.
For this mojito we’ve infused the syrup with lots of fresh mint, and you can use any leftover syrup in lemonade and iced or hot tea!
Strawberry Mojito:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed mint leaves, plus extra for drink and garnish
- 4 strawberries, sliced
- 1 lime, halved and quartered
- Ice
- Chilled club soda or mineral water
Place the water, sugar and one cup of mint leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and strain into a measuring cup, pressing hard on the solids to extract all of the syrup. Let cool.
Divide the sliced strawberries and lime quarters between two drinking glasses, along with 5 – 6 mint leaves. Pour 1/4 cup of the cooled mint syrup into each glass, and use a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to muddle the ingredients. Add ice cubes and fill with club soda. Stir, add a mint sprig for garnish and serve immediately.
Note: any leftover mint simple syrup can be stored, covered, in the fridge for up to two weeks.
