Mojitos became my favorite cocktail after a trip to Mexico 5 years ago. I was on the beach with my friend, Sandy, when we saw someone walk by carrying the most enticing drink I'd ever laid eyes on. When I saw the lime and mint, I knew it had to be refreshing and delicious. I drank my first mojito that day, and I've been loving them ever since. Although originally a Cuban drink, mojitos are popular in Mexico and have taken the US by storm in recent years. Once you taste one, you'll know why.

Almost every winter for the past 9 years, King-Man and I have gone to a resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, along with our regular traveling amigos, Steve and Sandy. And every year, the mojitos are as yummy as I remembered. I'm sharing the recipe today; but first a few Mexico memories.

Room with a view. Here's the view from our room's balcony. Apologies to any of you who happen to be buried in snow about now.

Open air dining. We ate regularly in this open air restaurant that is surrounded by water & beautiful greenery. They served all of my Mexican food favorites.

Wildlife everywhere. As we walked the grounds of the resort, there were many animal sightings: peacocks, turtles, agouti (they look like tailless squirrels), seagulls, pheasants, toucans, parrots, iguanas, & flamingos; monkeys roamed the trees.

  

A big, wide, wonderful world. Many country names were spelled out along the beach. One of my favorite things about this resort is the collection of people, cultures, and languages from near and far. I lounged on the beach with people from Italy, USA, Albania, Canada, UK, Turkey, France, Australia, Spain, and many more. I especially enjoyed the families with babies and young children speaking in different languages. It was quite an international mix sharing the same beach. (Wish the rest of the world could get along as well.)

Step-by-step photos for making Mojitos

  

The ice serves as a sieve so that most of the mint and limes remains in the bottom of the glass as you sip.

I like my mojitos pretty tart. If you like yours on the sweeter side, add more of the simple syrup or reduce the lime juice.

Virgin Mojitos? Easy! Just omit the rum and replace it with additional club soda and a dash more of simple syrup.

Make it a yummy day!

You might also like these yummy drinks:

Make-Ahead Mason Jar Frozen Margaritas

Sparkling Margarita Sangria Party Cocktails

Tortilla Bowl Taco Bar

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Mojitos

By Monica              Servings: makes 1 mojito

Ingredients

• 10-15 small fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
• 1 lime, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 lime, juiced (approx. 1 oz. or 2 tablespoons of juice)
• 1 oz. (2 tablespoons) simple sugar syrup (recipe at www.theyummylife.com/recipes/48)
• 2 oz. (4 tablespoons) light rum
• ice, cubes or crushed
• 3 oz. (6 tablespoons) club soda

Directions

Use a tall 14 to 16 oz. glass. Put mint leaves and half of lime slices in bottom of glass. Add lime juice and simple syrup. Use muddler or end of wooden spoon to muddle ingredients, pressing and twisting  5-6 times--just enough to release oils and juices. Add rum and fill glass with ice. Pour in club soda. Use long spoon to gently stir from bottom.

For a prettier appearance, slide in additional lime slices and mint leaves. Garnish top with lime slice and mint sprig.

This recipe is on the tart side. If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase simple syrup or reduce lime juice.

FOR VIRGIN MOJITOS: Omit the rum and replace it with additional club soda and a dash more of simple syrup.

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