Honey Raspberry Mojitos

Honey Raspberry Mojitos are a delicious variety of mojito adding fresh raspberries to this classic cocktail and using honey instead of sugar or simple syrup.

July 11th is National Mojito Day! Obviously, you must celebrate by drinking mojitos! Of course, you can order a classic mojito at a bar, but I highly suggest you try making these Honey Raspberry Mojitos at home. They’re so delicious! Share your mojito on social media by using the hashtag #NationalMojitoDay, #MojitoDay and #RecipesForHolidays. Be sure to check out my July Food Holidays page so you can follow along with all of the other food holidays in the month of July.

“If life gives you lemons, return them, ask for limes and make mojitos.”

-Unknown

The History of Mojitos:

Havana, Cuba is the birthplace of the mojito cocktail. Early versions of the mojito are believed to have surfaced in the 1500’s. A classic mojito contains 5 ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, club soda and fresh mint.

It’s tough to pinpoint the exact origin of how the mojito came to be. One belief is that South American Indians concocted this drink for medicinal purposes to help with tropical illnesses. Others say that the mojito was invented by Sir Frances Drake. And another theory is that it was a drink that was concocted by African slaves who worked in the Cuban sugar cane fields.

The popularity of the mojito began soaring in the 1930’s in Havana, Cuba. And word of this delicious cocktail spread to the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Ingredients needed:

• fresh raspberries
• honey
• cold water
• freshly squeezed lime juice
• fresh mint leaves
• white rum
• ice
• club soda
• lime slices

How to make Honey Raspberry Mojitos:

The first step is making the raspberry syrup. In a bowl, use a muddler to muddle together fresh raspberries, honey and cold water. Then use a fine sieve to strain out the raspberry seeds, and transfer the raspberry syrup to a cocktail shaker. Add lime juice and mint, and muddle a bit more. Then add ice and rum, and shake to combine.

This recipe make two honey raspberry mojitos. Divide the mixture between two cocktail glasses (the ice too). Add club soda.

Garnish with fresh raspberries, fresh mint and lime slices. Serve, and enjoy!

This recipe comes from The Healthy Swaps Cookbook by Danielle Davis. This book is full of easy substitutions to boost the nutritional value of your favorite recipes- without compromising on flavor. Leaner proteins, more healthy flours, and healthier fats and sweeteners are all part of these recipes. It’s a great cookbook to add to your cookbook shelf if you are trying to eat healthier!

Fun Facts about Mojitos:

• The mojito is one of the oldest mixed drinks- over 500 years old.
• The name mojito comes from the African “mojo,” which means “magic charm.”
• In the James Bond movie, “Die Another Day,” Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry enjoy mojitos on the beach.
• The mojito was Ernest Hemingway’s favorite drink.
• Mojitos are popular everywhere, but they happen to be very popular in France, Poland and Britain.
• A “cojito” is a mojito made with coconut rum.
• A “mojito blanco” is a mojito made with tequila instead of rum.