Perfect Blackberry Mojito

 It’s the weekend! Celebrating with the last blackberries I have left, plus a few store bought beauties. Here’s a toast to the end of summer. There’s even a few clouds roaming about today.

Am I the only one who just realized it’s already almost September? eeesh.

Last blackberry post for a while sadly. However, this is a good one to end on before for the dreaded P word comes about…….

….PUMPKIN. Okay, okay. Too soon.

OR IS IT?

Bahaha

Fun Fact: This drink can also be made without alcohol into a refreshing mocktail. I just use some lemonade instead of rum.

Find the last remaining blackberries hiding out on your thorny covered plants that take over everything. (Or just pull some from your freezer) and whip up this Simple Berry Syrup before we begin.

You can also just mash up some blackberries and throw in some fine sugar, but I found this to be a bit more difficult to balance the taste.

The Mojito is a magical creation that some people can be very particular about. So adjust things accordingly.

Gather up some mint (specifically the Yerba Buena variety if we’re going by the classic version), limes, simple syrup, white rum, crushed ice, and some sparkling water.

Crushed Ice is used because it melts faster and helps balance the strong flavors of a mojito, but use what you prefer.

I don’t have a fancy machine, so I went all cave baker and smashed mine with a rolling pin.

Ta Da!

Using a thick tall glass so we don’t break anything when muddling (and so the end presentation is pretty), drop in 1/4 of the lime, lime juice, and 6-8 mint leaves. (Preferably baby ones because they are a bit sweeter.) If you’re feeling fancy, give your mint a small smack before putting it in. (It’s suppose to help bring out the oils)

Quick note on the limes: I use the wedges because I like their presentation and the amount of juice to drink ratio. You can use slices, chunks, or wedges. Taste test to decide.

This also applies to the mint. some like it in small pieces, some like whole leaves. Some even like it strained afterwords so it all just depends on personal preference!

Now give everything a light smash 5-7 times until you smell the mint wafting out in all its glory. I just use the end of my whisk. Some use the end of rolling pins, wooden spoons or an actual muddler. They say the best for flavor is to use something wooden. Only a few times! Over smashing can cause the bitter parts of the lime or mint to come out.

Then add ice.

Pour in 2 – 3oz white rum (I used 2.5 oz Captain Morgan)

Add In Berry Syrup.

A traditional Mojito is not meant to be very sweet and sticks to 1-2 Teaspoons of simple Syrup (also normally made without blackberries).

However, I like a little extra. Especially if it’s blackberry!

Put in a splash of Sparkling water…

Then fold the ingredients together with a spoon (like a cake!) so it’s all nice and mixed.

Then garnish with limes, blackberries, or mint! (Or all of the above….)

Drink!

Responsibly…..

The beautiful and refreshing…

Perfect Blackberry Mojito.