Once the warm weather rolls around, I really want to start entertaining outside, and whipping up some delicious cocktails for my friends! Last summer was especially awesome; having lots of friends nearby with similarly aged kids, and being able to play, hang out, grill out, and drink up! Fun times for all! One cocktail I was obsessed with, and know I will still be drinking this summer, is the Blueberry Mojito.

I love Blueberry Mojitos because they are super easy to mix up, and I’m able to use fresh mint from my garden. If you don’t have a garden, I urge you to make a little window sill herb garden. It’s easy, you don’t have to do much to keep them living (just a little sun and water), and then you always have fresh herbs at your fingertips! Not only is this great for cooking, but it’s also awesome for cocktails. A mojito traditionally uses mint and rum, but you can always mix it up by using some basil or thyme, such delicious spins on a classic taste.

This recipe comes together in minutes, and only has a handful of ingredients. If you don’t like blueberries, I urge you to try this anyway, but if you really don’t like them, you could use other berries, or just make it plain. I am a HUGE fan of strawberry mojitos as well. The recipe I am supplying today is only for 2 mojitos, but you could easily triple it for a pitcher of mojitos – let the good times roll!

One thing you do need for this recipe is mint simple syrup, which is super easy to make. See the directions below, but DO NOT feel intimidated, it’s easy- trust me!

Blueberry Mojitos

Ingredients

1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen and thawed), plus more for garnish
2 TBS freshly squeezed lime juice
4 ounces white rum
2 cups ice
2 ounces club soda
lime slices for garnish
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup mint leaves , rinsed + a few extra for muddling
**if you do not wish to make your own simple syrup , you can omit the water, granulated sugar, and use 1 TBS of simple syrup in place of the homemade syrup.

Instructions

1. First you will prepare the simple syrup: in a small sauce pan whisk together water and sugar; add mint leaves. Over medium heat, bring it up to a simmer while you stir it to dissolve the sugar, then lower the heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes on low low heat. ***Trust me, you do not want this stuff boiling or simmering too high. I made that mistake with a batch and it hardened as it cooled. Basically it turned into basil sugar candy. Learn from my mistakes…*
2. Taking 2 glasses, add 1 cup of ice to each glass. Add 2 ounces of rum to each glass, then 2 ounces club soda to each glass.
3. In a small bowl or mug, muddle the blueberries with extra mint leaves and lime juice. Add 4 TBS of the simple syrup and muddle until well combined. Divide blueberry mixture between 2 glasses.
4. Stir each drink very well; garnish with additional blueberries and lime wedges

Recipe Notes

Makes 2 cocktails.
Homemade simple syrup will yield about 1 cup of syrup - store in an airtight container in the fridge and continue using for up to 3 months.
For a pitcher of cocktails - triple the recipe.