Well.  I’ve been sitting here pondering what to call this recipe.  Picture this:  my husband and I are both on the couch.  I’ve got the laptop, well, in my lap as it should be, and he is reading Lord knows what on his phone.  He looks at me: what are you stuck on?  Me:  I’m trying to figure out what I should call those drinks.  Nick:  a summer slurpee?  

So, theres a couple of reasons I didn’t go for his suggestion. First off, we certainly don’t run a 7-11 out of my kitchen, as much as I love the thought of that.  Second, its not 1987.   I didn’t just get back from riding my bike to the gas station up the road to spend all of my hard earned allowance on a cherry icey and Big League Chew.  This recipe must never be called a Slurpee of any sort.   Lets go ahead and give him an A for effort, but clearly I’m on my own with this one.

Let’s just call it like it is:  A Cherry Lime Mojito.  A mojito minus the muddling and plus a cherry twist.  I gotta tell you, friends, I used to be a bartender.  You know, back in my college days.  I’m a bit rusty…it’s been years.  But I had an itch to play mixologist in my kitchen yesterday in an effort to create a fun concoction to get into your hands for the long weekend ahead.  And, you know,  I hate to be boastful, but I think I’ve still got it 😉

This is a perfect cocktail match for summer-so yummy and bright.  To get the party started I threw frozen cherries and water together in the blender and processed it until smooth.  I poured that mixture into ice cube molds…check these adorable festive ones I found at Target!

And there we have it, sweet, tart cherry ice cubes.

Next up, make a lazy mans mojito.  Rum, lots of lime-because cherry and lime may be the most successful food marriage I’ve ever known, mint, simple syrup for a little sweet, and club soda.  And then drop in the cherry ice cubes.  Once you drop them in they will slowly melt..which is so very fun, you guys.  Every sip you take will be unique.  First, you’ll start off with a fresh, clean mojito taste.  But bit by bit those cubes will melt in as if you slowly drizzled a fresh cherry puree into the cocktail.

Sweet, tart, fresh, yum.

Side Note:  food blogging is a very difficult job that involves testing cocktails in the middle of the day for the greater good of others

Happy happy happy Independence Day to you, friends!  Cheers to a fun, safe, beautiful weekend ahead!  xoxo

Cherry Lime Mojito

notes:  the cherry ice cubes are fabulous in so many drinks including water, lemonade, iced tea…my kids are crazy about them.  for the mojitos, add additional lime and simply syrup to taste…below are the quantities that work for me but you may prefer a slightly sweeter or more tart drink.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Ice Cubes

2 Cups Frozen Pitted Cherries

1 Cup Water

For the Cherry Lime Mojito

1 Shot White Rum (approx 1-2 ounces)

2 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice

2 Teaspoons Simple Syrup (recipe below)

5+ Fresh Mint Leaves

Club Soda

Lime Wedges, for garnish

Directions

For the Cherry Ice Cubes

Place cherries and water in a blender and process until smooth.  Pour into ice cube trays/molds and freeze until solid throughout.  Makes approximately 2 trays of ice cubes.

For the Cherry Lime Mojito

Place mint leaves in the bottom of a 8-10 ounce glass and fill with regular ice.  Pour in the rum, lime juice, syrup and top it off with club soda. Stir, really working the mint through the cocktail.  Drop in 2 cherry ice cubes and garnish with additional mint and lime wedges.  Makes 1 cocktail.

Simple Syrup

Ingredients

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Water

Directions

Add sugar and water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.  Lightly boil until sugar is just dissolved.  Store in the refrigerator.