Mojitos

There’s nothing like a three-day weekend to relax and revitalize my spirits. Even though my fiancé and I didn’t go anywhere, we made the most out of our time off and treated it as a mini-vacation. We stumbled across fresh sugar cane at the farmers market and were immediately transported back to our trip to Costa Rica in November, where nearly every cocktail we drank was garnished with a stick of it. We decided to replicate a drink at home and chose to make mojitos, which we sipped on while enjoying the warm sunshine. We gnawed on the soaked sugar cane sticks and took a breather from everyday life, pretending we were still living in the pura vida spirit.

Mojitos:

• Combine 1/2 c. sugar and 1/4 c. water and bring to a simmer in a small sauce pan.
• Stir until the sugar dissolves and let the simple syrup cool.*
• Meanwhile, muddle together 15 fresh mint leaves and 1/2 of a large lime until very fragrant.
• Add in 1/4 c. simple syrup and 4 oz. white rum and shake to combine.
• Pour drinks into glasses filled 3/4 way with crushed ice, then float a layer of club soda on top.
• Garnish with sugar cane sticks and serve immediately.

Serves two

*Can be made a few days ahead, covered, and kept in the fridge.