De-stressing with Mojitos

My love for Mojitos started several years ago when I dated a bartender who made really tasty ones. He's no longer in the picture, but I certainly still love a good one-a Mojito that is-I'm through with bartenders!

So, anytime I have a really stressful week at work, I like to snip some mint from my garden, and make that magical drink. If you've never had a Mojito, it's a Rum based cocktail from The Caribbean, with hints of lime, mint, and a great balance of tart and sweet. I use a golden rum, because that is what I like, but you are welcome to try my recipe with any rum you like. Here is the recipe:

Hayley's Mojito

Servings: 1

1 each Fresh Lime

1/4 cup Simple Syrup, recipe follows

1 Sprig Fresh Mint

2 shots Golden Rum, such as Mount Gay

Soda Water

Crushed Ice

Muddler(this is the wooden stick used to make the drink, you can also use the handle of a wooden spoon)

Shaker

Tall Glass

1. Squeeze the lime into the shaker.

2. Add the Simple Syrup and Mint, and begin to muddle everything together by bruising the mint leaves to release their essential oils.

3. Pour in the shots of Rum, and add a small scoop of ice to the shaker.

4. Shake, shake, shake!

5. Pour the cocktail into a tall glass, and top it off with soda water.

6. Garnish with a sprig of mint, and enjoy!

Simple Syrup

2 Cups Granulated Sugar

4 Cups Cold Water

Makes 1 Quart

1. Combine sugar and water in a 2 quart sauce pot, and stir to dissolve sugar.

2. Place sauce pot on burner on High heat, and bring to a boil.

3. Boil for 1 minute, remove from heat, and cool to room temperature.

4. Place in an air-tight container, and store in the fridge for up to one month.