
Our position on the mojito is that it need not be relegated to the warmer months. If you consider its simple combination of fresh herbs, sugar, citrus, rum, and soda water, it’s easy to slot in alternative herbs and a richer spirit for a winter revamp. In our cold-weather version we sub out white rum for rich, brooding blackstrap and mint for muddled rosemary. Note that if you use the winter herb syrup, you need not muddle the rosemary.
Ingredients
Simple syrup:
Winter herb syrup:
Preparation
Make simple syrup:
Step 1
Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 month. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
Make winter herb syrup:
Step 2
Wash the herbs and set them aside to dry. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat. Add the herbs and stir until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool and macerate for 1 hour. Strain through a cheesecloth into a glass jar and store in the fridge for up to 1 month. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
Make Mojito:
Step 3
Remove the stem from the sprig of the rosemary and combine with the simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to lightly crush the rosemary and let sit for a few minutes. Add the rum and lime juice. Add ice, shake, and pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a collins glass over ice. Top with soda and garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of rosemary.