Blackberry Mint Mojitos

TGIF people, T.G.I.F. 

Working on my own start-up business has made me very appreciative of Friday afternoons. As a chef, I've never been very good at the business/office end of things- talking on the phone, meetings, email, blah blah. Even with my own restaurant- I tended to avoid that whole office side of it (thank the high heavens for good lawyers). But now I'm waist deep in the business side and I can almost see the end- it's so close!! So this cocktail entry is for everyone who has had a long week and has busted their butts to get it all done. I feel like I've killed it this week...so hurrah to me! I'd like to dedicate this cocktail to everyone who works an office 9-5...I respect you mucho! Salud and Happy Friday!! 

Blackberry Mint Mojitos 

Fridge: 

1/3 packed cup of mint leaves plus extra for garnish 

1 cup blackerries plus extra for garnish

1/4 lime fresh lime juice 

2 cups of ice cubes 

1 12oz can of lime or plain seltzer 

Counter:

2 cups water plus 1 cup extra 

Pantry:

1 cup dark rum

1/2 cup light rum

1 cup sugar 

Tools:

Large pitcher

Potato masher 

Measuring cups 

Cutting board 

Knife 

Large spoon

Small pot 

Strainer 

In the pot add 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar and 1/3 cup packed mint leaves. Boil on medium until all the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Turn off and allow to cool completely. This time also helps the flavors meld and become mint simple syrup. Strain mint leaves out and set aside. 

Add both rums and lime juice to your pitcher. Add the blackberries and muddle using your potato masher. Then add your strained mint simple syrup, the extra cup of water and 2 cups of ice. Stir well. 

Right before serving add the can of plain or lime seltzer. Serve with a sprig of mint and a couple blueberries and you've got a great Friday night cocktail. Perfect for the warm weather. Enjoy! Xo