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Blackberry Mojitos

GINA The Cubans had the right idea when they invented the classic mojito: it really is a perfect cocktail (not too sweet, not too sour). Another great thing about mojitos is that you can add almost any flavor to them and they taste amazing. I was experimenting with mojitos, creating a brown-sugar one, and I thought, why not blackberries? I’ve always been a fan of blackberries: I even like to eat them frozen right out of the freezer. (I do the same thing with grapes.) The infusion of mint and basil gives this version an herbal freshness, and the agave nectar is a gentle, natural sweetener that dissolves quickly. Of course, you can leave out the rum and just pour some soda water on top of the berries, but why would you? Either way, the drink is a beautiful spring color, and spring is my favorite season, when everything is blooming, and life’s possibilities seem endless.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 4 drinks

Ingredients

One 5-ounce container blackberries
1 medium lime, cut into wedges
10 fresh mint leaves, torn
6 fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4 cup agave nectar
6 ounces light rum
Soda water, chilled

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Muddle the blackberries, lime, mint, and basil with a wooden spoon in the bottom of a small glass pitcher. Stir in the agave nectar and rum.

    Step 2

    Divide the mixture between four ice-filled glasses, and top with soda water. Stir with a cocktail spoon and enjoy.

Image may contain: Pat Neely, Human, Person, Food, Meal, Restaurant, Cafeteria, and Buffet
Reprinted with permission from The Neelys' Celebration Cookbook by Pat and Gina Nelly. Copyright © 2011 by Pat and Gina Nelly with Anna Volkwein. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Pat and Gina Neely are restaurateurs, best-selling authors, popular speakers, and hosts of the Food Network hit series Down Home with the Neelys. They recently opened their first New York City restaurant, Neely's Barbecue Parlor. They live with their daughters in Memphis, where they enjoy cooking at home with family and friends. Ann Volkwein is a best-selling food and lifestyle author based in New York City and Austin, Texas. Her previous books include: The Arthur Avenue Cookbook, Chinatown New York, Mixt Greens (with Andrew Swallow), and, with Guy Fieri: Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives; More Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives; and Guy Fieri Food.
TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesMojitoRumBlackberryBerryFruitMintHerbs & SpicesBasilLimeCitrusSpringSummerCookbooks
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