Image

 

 

 

Sparkling Lavender Mojito

by Coraliz LeiLani Jacobs

separator

March 24, 2021

Spring is officially here! When it comes to warmer temperatures and longer days I instantly think of making cocktails I can enjoy on my patio with friends and family. Today we’re making a sparkling lavender mojito. You can prep this ahead of time or it can be made to order if hosting.

Note: This recipe calls for some specialty ingredients, but don’t let that intimidate you. Let me be your source for easy-to-replicate at-home cocktails that will make you look like a professional mixologist.

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

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. (Check for the farm’s current COVID-19 restrictions and event details.)

 

Image
Image

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!

Directions

  1. Combine 1 mojito lime, 6 spanked mint leaves, .5 oz lime juice and .75 oz lavender-infused simple syrup.
  2. Muddle for 10 seconds, just enough the expel and combine the citrus from the lime and oil from the mint.
  3. Pour 2 ounces of BLY Silver Rum and ice into your muddling pint.
  4. Vigorously shake the cocktail.
  5. In your serving glass, place the lavender ice cubes and fresh mint.
  6. Strain the mixture.
  7. 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.

separator

by Coraliz LeiLani Jacobs

Coraliz Leilani Jacobs also known as Co Lé on her social channels, is a Pittsburgh-based mixologist and the fashion blogger behind The Co Lé Journal. A fashion and lifestyle blog where she shares her favorite fashion trends, travel adventures, small business's, food and cocktail recipes and more. Ready for another cocktail recipe? Visit her every Friday for happy hour on Instagram, @thecolejournal, where she hosts a weekly IGTV series called Cocktail With Co Lé.