When I read this post on food52, I knew that the mint syrup portion of the limeade would be making an appearance at my house over the summer. Might it be possible to make a mojito-like cocktail without muddling? Mint Juleps also quickly came to mind.
I am happy to report yeses on the cocktail front, but wait there’s more! The original mint limeade is ultra-refreshing and not cloyingly sweet. The mint syrup is also a superlative sweetener for classic iced tea.
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For easy mojitos, make the mint limeade recipe as instructed and just add rum. Yum.
For mint juleps without muddling, make the mint syrup (recipe below). Mix together 1 cup of good quality bourbon and 1/4 cup of the mint syrup. Pour over shaved iced and if desired garnish with fresh mint. This makes about 6 drinks. The mixture can be refrigerated for an otherwise fussy cocktail at the ready. We don’t suggest you wait until the Kentucky Derby and do feel free to don a fancy hat.
In addition to tipples, this mint syrup can be drizzled over cut fruit and/or berries for a Four Seasons, fancy pants fruit salad. If I were a better planner, I would have saved a sprig of fresh mint for the photo above. Just the tiniest bit of syrup is needed to accent an otherwise everyday dish of fruit.
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, washed with stems removed
Combine sugar, water, and mint in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil then allow it to simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Strain and discard the leaves.
Many thanks to vvvanessa (aka Vanessa Vichit-Vadakan) for inspiring this flavorista to get her mint on.
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