Red, White and Blueberry Mojito
Jul 03, 2021, Updated Jul 11, 2022
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It’s time to step up the patriotism with this Red, White and Blueberry Mojito.
The July 4th holiday is peak summer. And, in much of the U.S., peak summer means peak heat and humidity. This Independence Day, stay cool with this festive (and fruity) Mojito that will be sure to add a bit more boom to your celebration. Plus, it is super kid-friendly if you leave out the rum (My nephew, who is the #1 fan of my non-alcoholic Mojitos, agrees!)!
RED, WHITE AND BLUEBERRY MOJITO
Ingredients
- 2 oz. White Rum
- 3/4 oz. Rich simple Syrup*
- 1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
- 5 sprigs Fresh Mint
- 8 Blueberries
- 6 Raspberries or 4 strawberries
- 3 oz. Bubbly water (unflavored soda, seltzer, sparkling water)
Instructions
- Combine rum, simple syrup, mint, and lime juice in a shaker. Muddle Gently
- Add ice and shake vigorously.
- In a tall glass (such as a highball or Collins glass), place 6 blueberries on the bottom of the glass.
- Top with crushed ice up to 1 inch below the rim of the glass.
- Strain mojito over ice, top with up to 3 oz. of bubbly water. Stir gently to combine.
- Place raspberries on top of ice, top with a splash of bubbly water to submerge.
- Garnish with kebabs of strawberries or raspberries and blueberries, and a mint sprig.
- If desired, serve with a straw.
Notes
Non-Alcoholic Twist:
Ingredients- 1.5 oz rich simple syrup* (recipe below)
- 1.5 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- 5 sprigs fresh mint
- 8 blueberries
- 4 strawberries (sliced) or 6 raspberries
- Bubbly water (unflavored soda, seltzer, sparkling water)
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Make Your own Rich Simple Syrup Recipe
Challenge yourself and make your own Rich Simple Syrup. It’s easier than you think. You only need 1 cup of water and 2 cups of sugar. Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Dissolve in 2 cups of granulated sugar. Stir well to incorporate sugar until fully dissolved. Let it cool. And the best part is that you can store in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.
RELATED: Grilled Peach Old Fashioned
Mint it up!
Want to make your Mojito even more minty? Then add one cup of mint leaves (removed from the stems – the stems are bitter!) to your rich simple syrup while it is still warm. Let steep for 15-20 minutes – keep an eye on your syrup, as mint can turn bitter quickly! Remove mint sprigs, let cool. In recipes, use 1:1 as the rich simple syrup above.
LET’S TALK ABOUT BUBBLES, BABY
Not all bubbly water is created equally, which is why perusing the water aisle of a grocery store can be incredibly overwhelming. Let’s take a look at the major types of sparkling waters you may have seen and get to know the terminology. All of these types contain CO2 (carbon dioxide) which is what lends the bubbles and fizz, but some have a little extra in them to enhance flavor.
- Seltzer: This is your most basic bubbly type, as it contains water and CO2, and nothing else (usually). This has the most neutral of flavor profiles (if unflavored), and is the same as what you get when you place plain water in a Soda Stream.
- Club Soda/Soda Water: These are artificially carbonated and have added minerals, most commonly sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium citrate (sodium salt of citric acid), and disodium phosphate (calcium anti-scaling agent).
- Sparkling Water: This is a cover-all term used to describe any type of water that has CO2 bubbles in it.
- Mineral Water: These are naturally carbonated and provide more flavor and texture. The FDA defines mineral water as follows, “Water containing not less than 250 parts per million (ppm) total dissolved solids (TDS), coming from a source tapped at one or more bore holes or springs, originating from a geologically and physically protected underground water source; mineral water shall be distinguished from other types of water by its constant level and relative proportions of minerals and trace elements at the point of emergence from the source; no minerals may be added to this water.”
Bubbling water recommendations
Need help making the right choice? Here are my favorite brands to use in my cocktails:
- Topo Chico Mineral Water: If you know, you know. Arguably the GOAT of all sparkling waters. Topo Chico is made in Monterrey, Mexico and just hits different. They also offer lime and grapefruit flavors. These are excellent in a Paloma or Ranch Water, or any other Tequila drink you want to zhuzh up.
- Soda Stream: Though the bubbles themselves are not remarkable, the convenience and sustainability of make-at-home soda water is unbeatable. No need to schlep home large packs of bottles or cans – just lock and load! Plus, you significantly reduce single use plastic with a Soda Stream!
- San Pellegrino Natural Mineral Water: Delicious Italian mineral water with very fine bubbles. This is great to use in lieu of Champagne in a spritzer, since the bubbles are so delicate.
- Spindrift Sparkling Water: Ok, so this one is infused sparkling water, but it is infused with real fruit, y’all! I love keeping Spindrift around for cocktails because it adds a splash of flavor, solid carbonation, and is only sweetened using real fruit.
