Basil Mint Mojitos

I love my kids. And after a long sweltering day of riding CTA, picnicking in a tick-infested park, one destroyed iPhone case and and a full-blown WWF style 4-year-old death match, I love them just a smidgen more with a refreshing cocktail in hand.

Basil Mint Mojitos, Baby.

Mufasa's got a sweet little herb garden going and I am reaping the benefits. As if I needed an excuse to make this drink, the mint has been taking over. Turns out the basil needed a bit of a trim as well. 

Basil Mint Mojitos

2 sprigs mint, torn into pieces
2 sprigs basil, torn into pieces
2 lime wedges
1.5 ounce basil infused simple syrup*
1.5 ounces rum
Club soda

1. Place mint, basil, lime, and basil infused simple syrup in a glass. Muddle well. A dedicated muddler works well here but so did the blunt end of my meat mallet. Use what you have. No need to get fancy.
2. Pour in rum and stir. Add ice cubes and top off glass with club soda. Stir well and garnish with additional limes, basil leaves and/or mint.

*To make the basil infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a pot. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add 3-4 sprigs basil to the syrup, cover, and let sit for a few hours or overnight. Remove and discard basil. Pour syrup into airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Sip long and sip hard. School doesn't start again until late August.