7/5/10 - Mint Mojito Sparkler

Tis' the season for yummy fruit based drinks, but if syrup-based margaritas and daiquiris are too much too handle try a lighter spin on another summer classic! This fresh tasting Mojito takes the traditional ingredients and gives them a bit more bubble while removing some of the sugar. I love adding seltzer to all of my drinks. It doesn't change the flavor profile and the added bubbles make me feel like I am sipping on an expensive cocktail. Don't worry if the only experience you have making drinks is cracking open a cold beer....this drink is easy enough for everyone!

Mint Mojito Sparkler (makes 2 large martini glass full)

3 shots Light Rum (Bacardi)

20 fresh mint leaves

2 tsp sugar  + extra to coat rims

1 lime + 2 wheels to garnish 

1 c plain or lemon lime seltzer

1) In a drink shaker, add the mint, ice, juice of 1 lime and 2 tsp sugar - either muddle or place cap on and shake vigorously
2) Add rum and mix till frothy
3) Rub rim of martini glass with lime rind - dip into sugar to coat
4) Carefully strain 1/2 of mixture into each glass and top with seltzer
5) Garnish with lime & fresh sprig of mint

1/11/10 - Hot Buttered Rum

Our favorite guest bartender Mary was over to make another exciting concoction for us. This time it was something warm and seasonal. Given the freezing temps outside which just won't go away I think it was a perfect night for it. Hot Buttered Rum is basically a mixture of dark Rum with a "batter" (ie butter, sugar & spices). We liked this drink more when we added some cream to it (whipped cream and ice cream to be exact!) and since drinking butter isn't exactly low cal anyway you might as well go all out and enjoy!

The above picture is our first batch.....and you will have to trust me that the second one came out even better (or maybe it was just that after 2 shots of rum everything tastes better?)

Hot Buttered Rum Batter
1/2 c butter (1 stick)
1/4 c sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp all spice

1) cream butter with sugar and add spices to taste

To make the drink add 1-2 tbsp of the batter to a cup, 2 oz of dark rum (we used Meyers), 4 oz tea or hot water (we used cinnamon spice herbal tea) and top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. For the second batch we used half as much tea (so only 2 oz) and added some coffee creamer (all we had in the house!) and a small scoop of pumpkin ice cream as well (vanilla or cinnamon would be great too)