Spring has finally sprung in Portland ladies and gents and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. Everyone is just in such a good mood! The streets are filled with people shopping, brunchin’ and lunchin’, and doing outdoorsy things. We live in a neighborhood that is ideal for the Spring/Summer months. There’s so many great spots to sit outside and dine like at Fireside or Papa Haydn, and you can’t forget about Salt & Straw for dessert! The only downside to Salt & Straw during warm months is that the line wraps around the building most evenings which is a bummer, but the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons makes it all worth it.
During the cold raining months, we both typically crave a beverage that will warm our insides like a whiskey old fashioned or a glass of red. I loved the feeling of getting cozy on the couch drink in hand when it was chilly outside. Now on the weekends there’s nothing more relaxing than heading to the park to lay in the sun and sip on something refreshing. That’s why this weekend we decided to make a batch of Mojito’s! I love anything mint. Mint tea, mint ice cream, mint body wash lol, anything mint. So when you throw in some rum in there with a cute straw how could I not be on board. Once we mixed these up, we wanted to walk to the park so we threw both of our drinks into a huge Oregon Ducks water bottle. You know keeping it classy 😉
Maybe you’ve never noticed this, but when you order a Mojito out at a restaurant a lot of times the mint is so muddled that you’re constantly slurping it up your straw or it’s getting in your teeth (not cute). That’s why you should only press gently on the mint leaves in the glass to release their oils! That way you a have pretty, fresh leaves floating around.
What to do
In a tall glass, take 4 or 5 mint leaves and gently press them at the bottom of the glass to release their oils. Then squeeze the juice from one lime, add one shot of simple syrup, and one shot of rum (two if you’re feeling frisky). Add a generous amount of ice and stir stir stir. Top with club soda and give another little stir and add a cute little mint sprig 🙂
To make simple syrup: Mix one cup of sugar and one cup of water in a small saucepan and heat over medium until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let the syrup completely cool before placing in a glass jar. You can store simple syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks!
Â
