Do you remember the Pineapple Mint Mojitos that we made earlier this year? As much as I still love those mojitos, this drink is a lighter, barely sweetened sister to that one, and I enjoy it every bit as much. The hint of basil is unexpected and completely refreshing. Perfect for a late afternoon weekend lunch, girl’s night in or just about any other excuse you can think of for mixing a drink.
Basil Mojitos
Recipe adapted from and with thanks to Sunset
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 10 basil leaves
- 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1-2 tablespoons of sugar
- the juice of a large lime about 1/4 cup
- 1/2 cup white rum
- club soda about 1/2 cup
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Place 1/4 cup of sugar and 4 basil leaves in the blender or food processor and process until well blended. (You can also make the basil sugar using this method.) Pour the sugar onto a plate and set aside.
- Put the remaining basil leaves in a large shaker along with the lime juice and a tablespoon or so of the remaining sugar. Muddle this mixture until the basil leaves have broken into little pieces. Add the rum and several ice cubes. Cover and shake until well chilled.
- Rub a lime wedge along the rim of two short glasses. Dip in the basil sugar. Add a couple ice cubes to each glass and divide the drink between them. Top off with club soda and stir. Taste and add a bit more sugar, if desired. Garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!
- * We made Strawberry Basil Mojitos too! Muddle the basil with 1/2 ounce of Strawberry Simple Syrup instead of the tablespoon of white sugar. Add more syrup to taste, after you have filled each glass.
Sue/the view from great island says
My favorite drink! Another reason why I wish we were neighbors!
Becki's Whole Life says
I particularly love this because I am trying to think of things to do with all of the basil in my garden besides pesto. Plus I love Mojitos!
Anonymous says
This sounds great! But you only call for 4 basil leaves, which you say to use in the basil sugar. How many basil leaves do you use for the drink? I would love to make this one. We have lots of basil ready to use.
Lovin' your blog!
Mary says
Either way will work fine. The basil sugar is mostly garnish and sweetener. I made it using exactly the above recipe the first time we made these. The second time, I simply grabbed the basil sugar out of the fridge and used that. I really couldn't tell a difference. I hope that helps!
Anonymous says
I see the recipe has now been modified to show 10 basil leaves, so I understand the recipe now. Thanks!
Mary says
Thanks for the catch. I appreciate it!