Melon Mojito

Another St. Patrick’s Day. Another reason to celebrate. So here I am, in the middle of a rain storm that, literally, has Southern California under water, combining my favorite rum cocktail with the green that identifies the Irish and their saint patron, who happens to be the patron of the imbibers!

I must confess that when I was thinking about this drink, I chose it because of the St.Patrick related color.

However, it tastes better than it looks. The beautiful bright green color comes from melon liquor Midori. Because I love fresh ingredients I muddled some honeydew melon with the spearmint. No need to say this mojito is going to be a spring-summer favorite!

To St. Patrick, here is an Irish blessing:
May there always be work for your hands to do.
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine on your windowpane.
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you!
Sláinte!

Ingredients
6 spearmint leaves
1 oz of honeydew melon, diced
3/4 oz Simple syrup (one part water, one part granulated sugar)
1.5 oz Ron de Venezuela Santa Teresa Claro
1 oz Midori (melon liquor)
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1.5 oz club soda

In a shaker, muddle the spearmint with melon and simple syrup. Add the rum, melon liquor and lemon juice, and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice. Top off with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig.

To print the recipe click here.