Antilles Treasures

We were looking for a refreshing twist to a Mojito.

Discovered a recipe on line and tweaked it a bit go meet our needs.

This one is all about the simple syrup that one makes for this drink.

It takes some planning and time but the drink is a refreshing reward.

Mojito

Needed to make the drink:
1 cup lime juice use eight limes
4 tablespoons finely grated lime zest use 6 limes
1 cup fresh mint leaves, stems removed and chopped fine
1 cup sugar
¼ cup water
Club Soda
Dark rum of choice (we used MT Gay)
Strainer or cheese cloth

Sauce pan
Jar for storage of the prepared syrup

Making the Syrup:
Juice the limes and remove seeds but leave the pulp.
Grate lime zest, being careful not to include white pith. You’ll need about 6
limes to make 4 tablespoons of zest.
Remove stems from mint measuring a cup, wash well and chop fine.

Combine lime juice, zest, mint leaves, sugar and water in a pan over
medium-low heat.

Bring to a simmer, remove from burner and let the syrup steep for two to three hours.
Strain syrup into a storage container, pressing mint leaves into strainer to extract all of the oils. 

Cover syrup and store in fridge until ready to use.
The simple syrup will be enough for 6 drinks.

Mixing the drink:

Using a 12 oz glass, add 3 oz of syrup and 2 oz of rum then drop in several ice cubes.  Top off with soda water, we used Perrier but any club soda works.

Stir gently add a lime slice garnish for some charm and enjoy!