Virgin Mojito

Last Saturday started off very well with a splendid early morning concert followed by a hearty breakfast with some good friends. I then decided to go to the bank to complete some work and that was the mistake. By the time I got to the bank, it was about 10:00 AM and a baking 40°C. I was out and about in the open sun for just a few minutes but that was enough to do me in.

By the time I got home at 10:45 AM, all I wanted was to cool down. By the time I cooled down sufficiently, my father mentioned that he can feel the cloth of his “easy chair” swing a bit. At first I did not pay much attention but then I felt the mild swaying too. At first I thought I was a bit light-headed but then put on the TV to see the breaking news about the earthquake in Nepal. It was just a few minutes after the event and the extent of the disaster that was to unfold was still unknown.

After a few minutes began the din from the apartment complex opposite ours which is under going a face lift. So the afternoon siesta was not a very relaxing one. Then I decided to add to my own misery by stepping out for a brisk walk in the evening.

So by about 7 PM I was rather out of sorts and if I were the drinking sort, would have certainly downed a peg or two. 😀 Since I do not keep alcohol at home, I decided to calm down with a Virgin Mojito.

A simple drink made of lemon juice, sugar syrup, fresh mint and water/soda, a Mojito is very very refreshing and my drink of choice on many an occasion that we dine out. This is the first time I have made a Virgin Mojito at home and am very glad that I made it.

One confession though: The amount of sugar in one glass of the Virgin Mojito came as quite a shock to me and left me wondering what else I poison myself with when I dine out!

How to Make Virgin Mojito

Serves: 4 Tall glasses

Time: 10 Minutes

Ingredients

1. Fresh Mint Leaves – 1 Cups
2. Fresh Lemon Juice – 6 tbsp
3. Sugar – 6 to 8 tbsp
4. Chilled Soda or Water – 2.5 Cups
5. Ice Cubes or Crushed Ice

Method

1. Chill four tall empty glasses.
2. Over medium heat, boil the sugar in 1/2 cup water till it dissolves completely to form a thick syrup.
3. Let the syrup cool.
4. Bruise or crush the mint leaves lightly to release the aroma.
5. To each of the chilled glasses:
   • Add 1.5 tbsp lemon juice.
   • Fill 1/2 of the glass with ice cubes or crushed ice.
   • Add 1/4 cup of lightly crushed mint leaves.
   • Add 1/4 the sugar syrup.
   • Top with chilled water or soda.
6. Mix well.
7. Sit back and enjoy the Virgin Mojito.

Tips

• You can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
• You can make a large pitcher of Virgin Mojito rather than individual servings like I have.
• Be sure to bruise the mint leaves as otherwise you won’t get the minty fresh taste of a Mojito.
• Do not add the mint leaves to the lemon juice concentrate or they will soon turn black.
• You could reduce the amount of mint, but I do love my mojito to be minty. 🙂

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