Thanks for the good words, Guys, A Mojito is a Rum based and most refeshing Cuban delight. Made famous by Ernest Hemmingway and in the past few years has drawn concern due to James Bond, etc. But aside from that, I really enjoy them in the summer, most refreshing thing going. I grow my own Mint and make a mint simple syrup especially for Mojitos and Juleps.
My Recipe is... Take a tall slinder glass, 2-3 leaves of fresh sweet mint, Using a wood Muddler (thus my Curly Maple Creation) gently crush the leaves along the sides and bottom of the glass, (leave the crumpled leaves inside) fill the glass with clear crushed ice. Juice from 1/2 lime, hefty tablespoon of Simple Mint Syrup, Couple shots of White Rum, finish off with Club Soda, Garnish with a Twist of Lime and Sprig of Mint. Ahhhhh!
Careful, they are addictive... Just Google Muddler or Mojito and there is a world of good info.
How to make Mint simple syrup? Take 2 cups of chopped Mint leaves (be sure to select those not frequented by dogs and cats or under TV antenna where the birds sit) (leaves, never stems) In a glass boiler bring 2 cups clear water to a boil, add 2 cups sugar stir till it dissolves, place the mint, stir and coverturn off the heat and allow to steep untill it comes to room temp. Strain off the syrup removing the spent mint. pour into an empty 1 litre bottle store in fridge for as long as it lasts, with me that is all summer so I make a last batch in the fall with the last harvest of the season and stretch it till spring. I took a sprig of Mint down to the lake and shoved it into a crevice on the boat dock, now I have fresh mint when ever I visit the houseboat (except during winter
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By the way, the best way to make a Julep is to also Muddle Mint on the sides of a Julep Glass, before adding the crushed Ice, Simple Mint syrup and Bourbon. See, another need for the Muddler
Must get busy, I found some more Curly Maple.