mango basil mojito
A sunny cocktail for a weekend with *hopefully* a sunny disposition.
On our little adventure to the Wyndham Grand pool last weekend, one of the trio of drinks I enjoyed was a mango mojito. Actually, the last one I ordered, and though there wasn’t anything complex or secret about the formula, it really hit the spot once the sun peeked out from the haze that clawed over the beach. The mix of tropical fruit with fresh mint, lime, and a big splash of rum felt sprightly and, well, happy. Just what I need lately.
So now, I’m sitting down with you, virtually, on an implied pool deck, and we’re sipping some Mango Basil Mojitos. All the lovely parts of a classic mojito hang out with a bit of basil for a little earthy kick. If you’re in a snowstorm or the weather’s chilly, all the better for enjoying this drink: you’ll think of blue skies, warm temps, and splashes in the water. And vivid Garmin watch tanlines.
Bet you weren’t imagining that before, but you are now, suckers.
Neat-O Mojito
Mojitos are usually just a mix of rum, lime, and mint, and this trio of base ingredients creates the perfect canvas for all sorts of flavors, especially nice tropical fruits. Last summer I shared a Pineapple Mojito which is still one of my favorite drinks. I’m sure a peach one is coming when summer rolls in. Wink wink.
Anywho, I start by pureeing some peeled mango chunks in my food processor until nice and smooth. I find this easier to work with and most concentrated flavor-wise, but if you don’t mind a bit of manual labor, muddling the mango with the honey, mint, and basil is just fine, too.
Then add some silver rum and lime juice. Shake it up, strain out the solids (if you wish, you can leave them in there, too!) and pour over ice. Top the glass with sparkling water for a nice fizz, throw on some fresh basil and mint, and sip sip sip!
As per, I like to rim my glass in lime sugar, too, for a bit of sparkle and to make shit more fun. Just toss a little sugar with lime zest, run a lime wedge around the rim of your cocktail glass, then dip and swirl and shimmy into the sugar.
Feeling a little beachy this weekend since we’re taking a ride on the local ferry to visit downtown St. Petersburg for lunch and a glimpse at the Grand Prix. Hope you’ve got something nice to cheers to! Whatever I’m drinking, I’ll certainly be cheersing to you all, friends.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
So fresh and so clean (clean):
Spicy Gingered Guava Margarita
mango basil mojito
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mango chunks
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 2 mint leaves
- 4 basil leaves
- 1-2 tbsp honey, or to taste
- 2 oz silver rum
- sparkling water, fresh basil, and fresh mint, to top
Instructions
- In a food processor, puree the mango chunks until smooth.
- In a cocktail shaker or large jar, muddle the mint and basil leaves with the honey. Add the mango puree, lime juice, honey, and rum. Fill with ice and shake until cold. Pour into a glass (strain out the solids, if desired) and top with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh mint and basil leaves.
