Summer Entertaining: Mojito Mocktails!

I love Summer entertaining, mostly because it’s usually super casual and laid back. In fact, I probably entertain more in the summer than I do all year long because it’s just so easy. All you need is a couple of easy dishes and one or two signature drinks to make a party seem really special.

One of my favorite things to offer guests at any gathering is a signature cocktail/mocktail or (two!). I don’t have the room or the budget to have an elaborate bar set-up in my house, so I always try to offer the basics like beer, wine and something non-alcoholic. Since I don’t have a bar set-up, I also like to make a signature cocktail/mocktail tailored to the event just to add that extra touch. Making a signature cocktail or mocktail is a great because it keeps things simple. No one has to stand around playing bartender, but everyone has a chance to drink something fun and festive.

Recently I came up with two delicious mocktail versions of my favorite drink, the mojito. I wanted to serve something non-alcoholic and refreshing that wasn’t soda or iced tea and the minty citrus flavor of the classic mojito lends itself perfectly to a mocktail because it’s just so darned delicious. The classic was so delicious that I tried a blueberry version and I gotta say, it is definitely my new summer sip and my kids went wild for them. Feel free to swap in your favorite berry (strawberries, blackberries and raspberries are great too) or even mix in an ounce of rum into each glass for those who want an alcoholic version. For parties, make up a large pitcher and have guests serve themselves. Nothing could be easier or more delicious.  No matter how you sip it, these mocktails are sure to be a hit at your next summer soiree.

Classic Mojito Mocktail

Makes 1 drink

Ingredients:

Juice of 1 lime

2 teaspoons sugar

8 mint leaves

2/3 cup seltzer or sparkling water, cold

Instructions:

1. In a medium glass stir together lime juice and sugar. Add in mint leaves and muddle (or mash) them with a cocktail muddler or spoon to bruise the mint leaves and help them release their flavor. Pour in seltzer, stir and serve.

 

Blueberry Mojito Mocktail

Makes 1

Ingredients:

Juice of 1 lime

2 teaspoons sugar

8 mint leaves

1 tablespoon fresh blueberries or your favorite berry

2/3 cup seltzer or sparkling water, cold

Instructions:

1. In a medium glass stir together lime juice and sugar. Add in mint leaves and blueberries and muddle (or mash) them with a cocktail muddler or spoon to bruise the mint leaves and breakdown the blueberries to help them release their flavor. Pour in seltzer, stir and serve.