Not only is April my birthday month, but it heralds the beginning of California strawberry season. A felicitous bit of chance for this berry-obsessed girl! You know I’ve got a signature cocktail up my sleeve to round out the celebrations, and I think it might be a hit. Let me put you onto Strawberry Mojitos. I promise you won’t go back.
Made with strawberries, mint, and rum, this refreshing drink has you believing spring is a state of mind—not just a time of year. Imagine someone distilled the carefree vibes of spring breaks of old, perhaps without the shenanigans of Miami, Florida, or Cancun, Mexico.
I didn’t have spring break shenanigans per se, but whenever I wanted to feel light and breezy, I turned to a mojito. It reminds me of laughing myself silly with my sister over bottomless chips and guac, and we always sprung for a cocktail that had just a touch of sweetness.
Not only is the Strawberry Mojito delicious, but it’s so easy to market to shoppers. You need only put the three key ingredients on a display and watch as customers take that inspiration right back home.
It ain’t spring if you can’t sing, and you know you’ll be singing to the tune of the strawberry drum with this drink on your roster. I’ll be raising a glass right alongside you!
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
6 strawberries
5–6 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
1 lime
4 oz rum, such as Kōloa Kaua’i white rum
Ice, cubed or crushed depending on preference
Lime club soda
Total Time: 10 min
Servings: 2 drinks
1. To make the simple syrup, mix together the water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mix to a boil on medium heat. Let cool for 15–20 minutes.
2. Put the strawberries and some crushed mint leaves in two tall glasses. Muddle the strawberries with the handle of a wooden spoon. (I’ve found this works best.)
3. Cut the lime in half. Juice the lime and divide among the 2 glasses.
4. Add about 2 tbsp of simple syrup and 2 oz of rum to each glass. Stir to blend well. If preferred, add more simple syrup for a drink with less bite.
5. Fill each glass with ice and top with club soda to taste. Garnish with mint.
Tip: Double (or even triple or quadruple!) the recipe to make a pitcher to share with friends. 
