Sparkling Lavender Mojito

Earth Inspired Cocktails

by Coraliz LeiLani Jacobs

March 24, 2021

Ingredients

1 Lime To Make A Mojito Lime
.5 oz Lime Juice
Mint
Lavender
1 Cup of Sugar
1 Cup of Water
2 oz BLY Silver Rum
Sparkling White White

Directions

Combine 1 mojito lime, 6 spanked mint leaves, .5 oz lime juice and .75 oz lavender-infused simple syrup.
Muddle for 10 seconds, just enough the expel and combine the citrus from the lime and oil from the mint.
Pour 2 ounces of BLY Silver Rum and ice into your muddling pint.
Vigorously shake the cocktail.
In your serving glass, place the lavender ice cubes and fresh mint.
Strain the mixture.
Top it off with your favorite sparkling white wine.

Enjoy

Note: If prepping ahead of time, duplicate this recipe by the number of drinks you’ll be serving and display in a pitcher or punch bowl. Excluding the sparkling wine, you’ll do this right before serving to ensure the bubbles stay fresh.

The base of this cocktail is rum. Think of sourcing your liquors or liqueurs the same way you think of food and limiting food miles. Chances are you live near a thriving bar, brewery or distillery scene and have phenomenal options right in your own neighborhood: Pennsylvania is a great state for locally made goods. When hosting get-togethers, you can educate your guests on these small businesses all while supporting your local community!

Today I’m mixing with BLY Silver Rum from Boyd and Blair Distillery based in Gibsonia, PA. If you are a Pittsburgh native you can buy directly. If not, it is also available at Fine Wine And Good Spirits in-stores and online or on their website at www.boydandblair.com.

We’ll also need lavender and mint. I’ll be picking these from my own garden, but you can easily find these ingredients at grocery stores or farmers markets. If you are local, Destiny Hill Farm in Washington, PA (just a short drive from Pittsburgh) holds an annual Lavender Festival where you can pick your own bundles.

We will be using the lavender to make an infused simple syrup, but don’t let this intimidate you — it’s very simple! We’ll be using a 1:1 ratio here. One cup of sugar to one cup of hot water over medium-high heat until combined and syrup-like. Stir in one tablespoon of lavender, and take off heat and strain out lavender buds. Let cool before refrigerating. This should keep in your fridge for up to 3 months.

With any mojito, you want to use juicy limes! The acidity balances the sweetness of the simple syrup. However, if you over-muddle the lime peel, you’ll get a bitterness in the mojito that is unpleasant. To avoid this you want to make a mojito lime. You’ll start by cutting the lime in half and the ends off as well. One lime yields two mojito limes. Then, you will cut the edges of skin off the lime — similar to the way you cut the crust off a sandwich. Viola! A mojito lime. An easy, peasy way to ensure the perfect mojito every time.

A technique we’ll be using here is called “Spanking.” It can be used for mint, basil, sage and any other herbs. Lay the mint on the palm of your hand and give it a good smack with the other. Be mindful not to crush, tear or bruise the herb. By giving the mint a firm smack you’ll force the essential oils to the surface and release great aromatics.

Now that you’re fully informed, let’s make our cocktail!