Taking beautiful in-season fruit and making delicious and refreshing mojitos is a must to beat the summer heat. Even Dark Horses have to take time out and cool down.
Make them virgin or add 1-2 shots of clear rum and you are ready for patio sipping in the warm southern heat (or wherever you are).
First, start with making your own mint syrup. Doing this step yourself allows you to control the intensity of the mint flavor. It won't overpower the drink but adds a layer that really takes it to another level. And you wont get mint leaves stuck in your teeth. This can be made up to a week in advance! You can also add it to lemonade, juleps, and watermelon cocktails.
1cup Fresh Mint Leaves
1cup Granulated Sugar
1cup Water
Place everything in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn down to simmer and leave it for 1 minute or until the liquid is clear of any sugar granules. Take the pan off the heat and let it steep between 15-30 minutes depending on your taste. Let it cool completely.
For the Mojito
You'll need 1cup of the freshest blackberries you can find. If you live near Dark Horse Headquarters we recommend Ingram's Farm in High Point, NC. Soooo good!
1tsp Granulated Sugar
1/2cup Lime Juice
Ice
2cans (12 oz) of Seltzer
Fresh Mint for Garnish
In a small bowl add blackberries and sugar. Use a wooden spoon to crush the blackberries until they are broken down and release their liquid.
Divide blackberries between four glasses and add two tablespoons simple syrup and 2 tablespoons of lime juice to each glass. Fill the glasses with ice and top off with seltzer. Garnish with mint and enjoy!
Ahhh the bounty of summer in a glass. Its heaven. That is all.