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| Mr. Fellows. One of my many rescued New York strays. Nip free and lovin' it! |
Why I drink Virgin Mojitos!
I'm a cheap drunk, meaning very little coin at the bar will get me loopy.
I'm sure this isn't much of a revelation to anyone aware of my passion for the most classically sobering of beverages (i.e. coffee, which I normally take via an IV drip beside my writing desk).
Cocktails are a special occasion thing for me, not part of my daily routine, which is why I came late to the mojito. The drink, which is basically a Cuban mint julep, has been trendy for some time now, but I only got around to trying one a few years ago.
Well, let me tell you, it was love at first sip! But as I continued to drink them, a pattern emerged.
Well, let me tell you, it was love at first sip! But as I continued to drink them, a pattern emerged.
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| Click here for my Virgin Mojito recipe and free PDF. |
A short time after drinking my little Cuban friend, I started feeling annoyed, antsy, even argumentative. Was I imagining it?
So I'm thinking maybe Mr. Fellows and I have something in common! Sad but true...
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Cleo Coyle has a partner in
"culinary" crime-writing—
her husband.
Learn about their books
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This is one reason my Virgin Mojito was born. The other reason is my realization that the refreshing experience of sweetened lime and mint over ice was the real attraction for me all along.
Do I miss the rum buzz? Not really.
I could try switching the alcohol to bourbon, essentially making the drink a mint julep. But I'm a relentlessly sober sort of person anyway, more workaholic than alcoholic. Which isn't to say I wouldn't consider a trip to the Dark Side again...if tempted.
I could try switching the alcohol to bourbon, essentially making the drink a mint julep. But I'm a relentlessly sober sort of person anyway, more workaholic than alcoholic. Which isn't to say I wouldn't consider a trip to the Dark Side again...if tempted.
Until then, my quickie Virgin Mojito recipe will have to do, and you're more than welcome to join me for a refreshing sip...
Virgin Mojito
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
10-20 fresh spearmint leaves
1 wedge of fresh lime
2 or 3 ice cubes
ginger ale
1 thin slice of fresh lime (to garnish)
Method: "Muddling" the mint is the only real technique to get right here. To "muddle" something for a cocktail means to crush it in the glass with a utensil. Bartenders have a device called a muddle, but the prongs of a fork will do the job just as well.
Step 1 - Place your mint leaves in the bottom of your glass and squeeze the juice from you lime wedge onto the mint.
Step 2 - Use the prongs of a fork to muddle the dampened mint. (You are crushing the mint to release its essential oils.)
Step 3 - Drop the spent lime wedge into the glass and toss a few whole ice cubes on top of it all.
Note: While a classic mojito uses crushed ice, I like the whole cubes, which serve as a kind of strainer, keeping the mass of crushed spearmint leaves away from the rim of the glass so you can sip the drink without most of the leaves getting in your way.
Step 4 - Fill the glass with ginger ale, place the slice of lime on the rim and...drink with joy!
To save or print this recipe as a free PDF,
click here or on the image below.
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| Click here to save or print this recipe as a free PDF. |
Marc and Mr. Fellows!
☕ ☕ ☕
Drink with joy!
~ Cleo Coyle
New York Times bestselling author of
The Coffeehouse Mysteries
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Yes, this is me, Cleo (aka Alice).
Friend me on facebook here.
Follow me on twitter here.
Visit my online coffeehouse here.
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