Blood Orange Mojitos - Everyday Annie

Oh, citrus season. Right in the midst of winter, a sunny sort of drink that can mentally transport you to a happier, warmer place is exactly what we need, right? Blood oranges are my favorite of all citrus fruits.

Each year when their fleeting season returns, we buy huge bags of them during every single trip to the store. Even with a huge supply, I always manage to make good use of them.

Blood orange mojitos were the first thing that came to mind when deciding what to do with my first haul this year. (Promptly followed by about six more ideas, so get ready for blood orange everything around here.) Simple cocktails are key, and these are very simple with just a handful of ingredients. Make a large batch to share with friends and/or family and everyone will love you for helping to keep the winter blues at bay.

Prep 10 minutes
Yield about 4 servings

Ingredients

Generous handful of mint leaves, coarsely torn
4½ oz. (½ cup plus 1 tbsp.) simple syrup
Juice of 3 blood oranges
Juice of 3 limes
6 oz. (¾ cup) light rum
Coarse sugar, for rimming
Crushed ice
Sparkling water, for finishing
Sprigs of fresh mint, for garnish

Directions

01
In a cocktail shaker or liquid measuring cup, combine the mint with the syrup and muddle together throughly until the leaves are bruised. Stir in the blood orange juice, lime juice, and light rum. Taste the mixture and adjust according to your personal preference.
02
Use the spent lime or orange halves to wet the rim of each glass, then dip into coarse sugar. Fill the glasses halfway with crushed ice. Pour the blood orange mixture over the ice, then top each serving with just a splash or two of sparkling water. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and serve.
03
Note:
- I used my beloved juicer for this recipe. It is very efficient at getting every last drop of juice out of each fruit. If you use a hand juicer, you may want to juice 4 oranges and 4 limes to make up the difference between the two gadgets.
- These are easily made kid-friendly by simply omitting the rum and adding a touch more sparkling water. My kids get so excited when we make them “special” drinks like this.