Raspberry Lemonade Mojito

I am addicted to this cocktail. It's sweet, sour, minty, and refreshing all at once. Perfect for those warm summer days, this pretty little concoction is just the drink to mix up in your pitcher and serve at your upcoming barbecues. Trust me, your guests will be glad that you did!

For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and add more seltzer.

Raspberry Lemonade Mojito - serves one

Fresh mint sprigs
fresh raspberries
half of a lemon
3 oz Bacardi Razz rum
raspberry lime seltzer water
2 or 3 splashes of raspberry simple syrup (recipe below)

In a shaker, muddle 4 or 5 mint leaves without breaking them, just until they become fragrant. Fill the shaker with ice, and add the juice from the half lemon, 2 splashes of raspberry syrup, 3 oz of the rum, and a couple fresh raspberries. Give the mixture a good dozen shakes, and pour into a tall glass. Top with seltzer, a splash of raspberry syrup, fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint. Kick back, relax, and sip away!

Raspberry Simple Syrup - makes approximately 2 ½ cups syrup

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
2 cups fresh raspberries

In a small saucer, combine the water, sugar, and raspberries. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and cook until the raspberries break down and the sugar is dissolved. Let mixture cool. Once cooled, strain the syrup through a finely meshed sieve into a storage container. The final syrup should be a bright pink and free of seeds.