They say that necessity is the mother of invention. Well, I cannot claim that a homemade virgin mojito mix is a “necessity”Β per se,Β but wanting to keep things as simple as possible, I came up with this fuss-free recipe in advance of our midsummer supper (which took place on our boat in the archipelago). The aim was to bring as few things with me as possible and not have terribly much to do on the day. Our guests (one of whom is pregnant) love virgin mojitos and I wondered whether I could simplify the process of making them on the boat by bringing only ice, ginger ale/soda water and a pre-made sugar syrup and lime mix, infused with fresh mint. It turns out I could :).
This is by no means an “authentic” approach to mojito making, but if you enjoy the mojito-y freshness of mint and lime with a hint of sweetness, and don’t want to fuss with making cocktails/mocktails whilst out and about, then you may find this makes a nice addition to your picnic basket.
EASY DIY VIRGIN MOJITO MIX
Makes a little less than 1 liter
INGREDIENTS
2 dl organic caster sugar
4 dl water
4 dl lime juice
Lots of mint leaves (at least 50 at a guesstimate… and more if you like it extra minty, as I do)
DIRECTIONS
- Add water and sugar to a saucepan and stir over a medium heat until sugar has dissolved.
- Turn the heat down low. Add clean mint leaves to the sugar syrup and bash them up a little with a spoon.
- After a few minutes, turn off the heat and allow the syrup to infuse and cool before straining.
- Add the lime juice and pour the mix into a sterilised jar/bottle.
TO SERVE
Add a handful of ice cubes and around 2 tablespoons of the virgin mojito mix to a glass and top with 3 dl of ginger ale or soda water (of course, you could add white rum too, if you like). Enjoy!
* The dl measurements that I use in recipes on my blog are a standard metric measurement: 1 dl = 100 ml, 10 dl = 1 literΒ
trixpin says
Love it! Not being a booze fan this is right up my street, and looks so refreshing.
I think your photos are great too, and was wondering what programme you use to get the text on them? The little lime segment is too cute!
I’ll be trying this drink π
mmmarzipan says
Thank you! I don’t drink (alcohol), so drinks like this appeal to me too π
I use indesign usually (the lime was a simple vector graphic created in illustrator), but any Adobe program would work regarding placing text on images (photoshop, illustrator…).
Thanks again! π x
trixpin says
Oh, that’s great advice thank you! I’ll check these out (whilst sipping my mojito and thinking of limes).
Gallivanta says
Mmmmm…refreshing, even just reading the recipe. Do you ever have trouble with the mint staining the water a sort of brownish colour?
mmmarzipan says
Thank you π
No, I haven’t had that problem… some of the mint leaves turned brownish, but the liquid sugar syrup itself was failry clear until the lime juice was added π
Gallivanta says
Perhaps I leave my mint to infuse for too long π
Stefano says
Beautiful images as always, MM! High key and summery! π
mmmarzipan says
Oh, thanks so much Stefano :D!
lifeBelle says
oohhh wonderful!! I am not an alcohol fan either so this is PERFECT!! π
mmmarzipan says
π Yay! Thanks!
Rhonda Sittig says
Great alternative for non-drinkers– and so fresh on a hot summer evening. good one!
mmmarzipan says
Thank you, Rhonda π x
musingsondinner says
I love virgin mojitos! They are so refreshing and this is a great idea
mmmarzipan says
Me too! And thank you π
Sadia Mohamed says
Beautiful picture and really nice recipe! π
mmmarzipan says
Thank you very much, Sadia π
Melisa R says
Oh yes! I am totally making this.
mmmarzipan says
Wonderful! I hope you like it π