The sun is a very rare sighting in Scotland, and so when it does decide to make an appearance, it's bottoms up outdoors! And on this very special occasion, I was visiting my parents, in Edinburgh, who had a ton of lemon balm and mint growing in their garden, and plenty of cucumber to spare. Just the perfect timing for a nice cooling and refreshing mojito! This is so easy to drink that I'm obliged to put a warning on this recipe:1 glass can lead to 1 whole pitcher, which can lead to a very happy day! Enjoy, and I hope you the summer weather brings you mojitos everyday!
Makes 4 or 1 litre approximately
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups white rum
1 1/4 cup simple syrup, ( boil together 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 sugar, and put aside to let cool)
1/4 cup water
1 cucumber ribbons
A big handful of lemon balm leaves
A big handful of mint leaves
1/2 cup of lime juice, plus rind
Lots of ice!
First, run the limes along the rims of the glasses. Take some lemon balm or mint leaves, and set aside for the garnish later. Bruise the rest of the lemon balm or mint leaves in a mortar and pestle. Take some of this and run along the rim of the glasses too. For extra sweetness, spread some sugar on a plate and dip the rims of the glasses. Cut 4 round slices of cucumber for the garnish later.
Place the liquids in a jug, along with the cucumber ribbons, limes and mint. Set aside.
Crush up the ice in the pestle and mortar, almost to iced shaving consistency. Add some of this to the pitcher and stir. And add the rest of the ice to the glasses.
Pour the mojitos into the glasses and place a sprig of lemon balm/ mint leave in the glass.
To finish off, place a slice of cucumber on the side of the glass, and serve!
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