In the warm summer months, I love to sit outside and relax on our back patio, my Nook in one hand and a refreshing drink in the other. I pop Sirius on, close my eyes, and pretend I am laying on the beach. 🙂

Of course, I have to open them again if I want to get any reading done, and my real view looks nothing like the beach ;-):

I love summer cocktails, both in the traditional and non-alcoholic versions.  One of my favorites is the mojito.  We use a very basic mojito recipe: muddle 1/2 of a lime and approximately ten fresh mint leaves in a glass.  Fill the glass with ice, then add about an ounce of simple syrup* and 2 ounces of white rum.  Fill with club soda to taste (I usually use about 2 ounces).

 *Simple Syrup: Add equal parts sugar and water to a sauce pan.  Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened.  Allow to cool before using.  I put it in a plastic drink container, and keep it in the fridge for easy accessibility. 🙂

This is one drink that I just didn’t think would work without the rum, at least until last summer.  I was texting with my mom, and she mentioned that my dad was having a real mojito, but she was having a “virgin mojoto“.  Although the misspelling of mojito was unintentional, it worked–my mom’s nickname is Jo. 🙂

Since then, I have affectionately called a virgin mojito a mo-Jo-to.  It is a refreshing summer treat that is easy to adapt.  Simply omit the rum, cut the simple syrup in half, and double the club soda. Easy-peasy! Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite summer drink (alcoholic or non)? Personalized adaptations? I’d love to try some new recipes! 🙂

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