Summer Passion Fruit Basil Mobito Cocktail

I created this recipe to take advantage of the over abundance of basil that is in your garden around summer time.  My idea is to do a play on a traditional mojito recipe, but instead replacing the mint with basil! I am also lightening up the cocktail with some passion fruit juice to add another bright level of intensity to the cocktail. I found the passion fruit juice at my nearest grocery store. If not there, you can purchase passion fruit juice online.

Equipment:

• Boston Shaker

• Muddler

• Collins Glass

• Jigger

• Hawthorne Strainer

Ingredients:

(makes 1 drink)

• Half of 1 Lime (4 Wedges)

• 10 Basil Leaves (+1 Sprig for Garnish)

• 1 1/2 oz Bacardi Gold Rum

• 3/4 oz Simple Syrup

• 3 oz Passion Fruit Juice

• Ice

• 1 Bottle Ginger Beer

Instructions:

1. Add lime wedges to shaker and muddle until juice is released (be careful not to over-muddle the lime, this could create a bitter flavor)

2. Add basil leaves

3. Add rum, simple syrup and passion fruit juice

4. Fill shaker with ice

5. Shake until shaker is frosted on the outside

6. Fill collins glass with ice

7. Strain cocktail mixture with Hawthorne strainer into collins glass

8. Top off cocktail with Ginger Beer

9. Garnish with Basil Sprig

10. Serve!

I hope you enjoy this perfect Mobito! Comment with questions or tips on your own variations. Thanks!