Lemon Berry Basil Mojito

Hi everybody! Since I’m in Kenya currently, I have a couple people providing me with some delicious recipes for all of you while I’m gone. Today is Christine from Life With A Side Of Coffee is sharing a delicious looking mojito!

Summertime is the perfect season for tart, refreshing cocktails. What’s even better is being able to take seasonal fruits and herbs and integrating them into, well, everything! My inspiration for this twist on a mojito comes from my dislike of traditional mojitos. I love the concept because I really do love mint but not in an overpowering or overtly sweet capacity. I also like a little fruitiness to my drinks. Enter the berries and lemon twist.

The berries give this drink a natural fruity flavor that really shines. The small squeeze of lemon juice after the berries and herbs have been muddled the first time brings the flavors out even more. Instead of a traditional club soda, the lemon sparkling water tops the drink off with a tart finish that will have you puckering up instantly. The combination of tartness and basil is probably my favorite element of this drink. It’s the ultimate summer flavor, perfect for a party or cocktails for two.

Lemon Berry Basil Mojito

A summery, tart twist on a classic mojito with berries, lemon and basil.

Recipe type: Cocktail

Serves: 1

Ingredients

2 sliced strawberries
5 raspberries
4 mint leaves
2 basil leaves
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Ice
1 oz. tequila
Lemon Sparkling Water

Instructions

Slice strawberries and place in a glass with raspberries, mint and basil leaves. Muddle until the leaves release their juices. Try not to squash the berries too much.
Squeeze about a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the glass and muddle once more so the lemon juice enhances the flavors of the herbs and berries.
Fill with ice and pour in an ounce of tequila. Top with lemon sparkling water. I used San Pellegrino Limonata. Stir to combine, add a strawberry slice and a few basil leaves for garnish, serve and enjoy.

Notes

This cocktail would work great with any combination of berries. I had raspberries and strawberries in the fridge so feel free to use whatever you have as well. If you want a lighter lemon flavor, use the traditional club soda or a plain sparkling water instead.