Kiwi Mango Mint Cocktail

This drink is screaming sunshine and freshness, making it perfect for spring and summer parties and patio brunches. The Kiwi Mango Mint is tall, light and refreshing and a nice fruity mix of kiwi (42 Below) and mango. Add to that the refreshing hint of mint and you have a fantastic drink. Using mango nectar creates a sweeter drink, but if only juice is available and you want the sweetness simply muddle some of the mint with a small amount of simple syrup. Even with the nectar, I found that releasing the essence of the mint into a dash of nectar via a short muddling session was worth the extra work.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 part 42 Below Kiwi Vodka
• 5 parts mango nectar or juice
• 8 mint leaves

PREPARATION:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the mint leaves and vodka.
3. Top with nectar or juice.
4. Stir well.

http://cocktails.about.com/od/vodkadrinkrecipes/r/kiwi_mango_mint.htm

Mint Julep

Anyone who is into horse racing will be familiar with this, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby during which some 80,000 juleps are served. Traditionally Mint Juleps are served in silver or pewter cups and held by the handle or rim in order for the cup to obtain optimum frost. As an alternative to muddling the mint and sugar cube you can also infuse a sugar syrup with mint. With this much bourbon in a drink, slow sipping is the appropriate way to imbibe.

View video: How to Make a Mint Julep

INGREDIENTS:

• leaves from 4-5 mint sprigs
• 2 sugar cubes or 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 2 1/2 oz bourbon
• mint sprig for garnish

OR

• 4 oz. of bourbon
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 4-6 mint leaves
• soda water (an option if you prefer it lighter)

PREPARATION:

1. Place the mint and simple syrup or sugar into a julep cup, collins glass or double old-fashioned glass.
2. Muddle well to dissolve the sugar and to release the oil and aroma of the mint.
3. Add the bourbon
4. Fill with crushed ice and stir well until the glass becomes frosty.
5. Garnish with the mint sprig.

http://cocktails.about.com/od/atozcocktailrecipes/r/mnt_jlp_cktl.htm
http://video.about.com/cocktails/Mint-Julep.htm (Useful video that shows you exactly how to muddle & make the drink.)

Mojito

1.5 oz BACARDI (white) Rum
12 fresh spearmint leaves
1/2 lime
7 oz club soda
2 tbsp. simple syrup (or 4 tsp. sugar)

The official drink of Miami, very hot in clubs during the summer. Traditionally prepared in a collins glass. To make a Mojito, juice from a lime is added to sugar and mint leaves in a tall glass. The mixture is then gently mashed repeatedly with a muddler. Crushed ice is then added, followed by rum and topped off with club soda.

Be sure to avoid using a mint medley like I did, and use spearmint. I also made the mistake of using too little lime and too much sugar...so it tasted basically like carbonated sugar water with an odd mint medley taste. I also happened to make it on a Sunday morning during the winter...haha.

Resources:

• www.bacardi.com (Go to the bacardi website, dance to the muddle song, and watch the tutorial on how to make a mojito.)
  
• http://www.tasteofcuba.com/mojito.html (Alternate recipe, in depth directions/explanation)
• http://www.esquire.com/drinks/mojito-drink-recipe (History and instructions)