how to make a basil mojito

basil mojito

A classic Mojito is made with mint, but since mint and basil are in the same family, I thought I would play around. I love the idea of using herbs that would normally be used in savoury applications and include them with sweet dishes or drinks. It adds an element of surprise.

I did a beverage shoot last week and my client brought me these beautiful limes from her tree, so I simply had to shoot them and make a drink.

Brandon Matzek of the blog Kitchen Konfidence is very experimental with drinks, and I find his flavour combo’s so interesting. A long time ago I was inspired by a basil and strawberry cocktail he made which turned into me making a strawberry & balsamic sorbet with a basil & black pepper infusion. Check out his cucumber, lime and basil martini, and you will see what I mean.

basil mojito basil mojito

You can use sugar straight up in a Mojito, but I always prefer to use a sugar syrup. You make this by boiling together water and sugar to a ratio of 2:1 until you get a thick consistency. Once the sugar has dissolved completely, boil for about 3 minutes and then allow to cool. This can be stored in a jar for ages or years. Maybe forever.

I’ve added rum (obviously), but this is also rather tasty in a ‘virginal’ format.

Recipe | makes 1 large Mojito

  • 2T sugar syrup or 1 T sugar
  • 1 lime (half juiced, and half cut into wedges
  • a shot of white rum (as much as you like but 25ml is good)
  • 6 – 10 basil leaves
  • soda water
  • extra slices of lime to garnish

Place the sugar / sugar syrup, rum, lime juice, basil leaves and wedges in a tall sturdy glass and bash with a muddler to release the flavour. Fill the glass with a lot of ice, and top up with soda water. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and slices of lime.

basil mojito

A few other drinks that could rock your summer (if you are living in the Northern hemisphere that is):

The Paloma:

How to make the perfect Paloma

Passion fruit cordial:

passion fruit cordial

A delectable cocktail with strawberries and coconut water:

coconut water and strawberries cocktail

Home-made iced tea with ginger and mint:

iced tea

 Pomegranate spritzer:

pomegranate and ginger spritzer

 

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19 Comments

  1. Michael Olivier says:

    Oh Sam what a fabulous collection of pics. You are so so talented. Luv Mxx

  2. Thanks for the shout out Sam! That recipe takes me back! 2010 – almost 3 years ago.

    This Basil Mojito looks super tasty and refreshing. I’m definitely giving this a try.

  3. ooooh Basil sounds interesting! I love trying new drinks all the time, actually, I love drinks full stop 😉

  4. Hi Brandon, I just love all your drinks ideas x

  5. I’m so with you on that one Lisa #cheers 🙂

  6. Thanks Suzanne, I hope all well with you in NZ 🙂

  7. wow.. your blog & photography are stunning.. I came via Pinterest where I pinned your leek, mushroom & parmesan phyllo pastries.. I’m looking forward to exploring your blog further!

  8. Thanks Lesley, and I hope to see you around here more often 🙂
    best
    Sam

  9. Mojito is hands down my favourite cocktail, but I’ve never through of trying a basil version. It looks divine.

  10. I’m curious, wouldn’t you want to bash the basil leaves along with the lime to release the flavor, rather than just garnish with basil? Maybe you’d have to strain it then…? Sounds delicious. I love basil.

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