As if we needed an occasion to drink more rum… Tomorrow is National Rum Day! To help us celebrate, the folks from Wicked Dolphin Rum sent us a bottle of their Florida Silver artisanal rum, which is handcrafted using 100% Florida sugar cane in small batches and aged in bourbon barrels to give it a warm vanilla undertone. As many connoisseurs know, the true test of any distilled liquor is to drink it neat. The first sip revealed it to be a good sipping rum; smooth with a polished finish without the burn that many spirits leave behind.As the menfolk were gathering to enjoy some brews at a local pub, I was looking forward to some girl time with old friends. As happens most often, we take inspiration from things around us. Working in the yard, I brushed against some lavender. The heady scent captured the essence of the dog days of summer. My mind instantly went to a mojito with muddled lavender as the starting point. An experimental rendition with lime and lavender was too tart and not quite right. Subbing in lemons was the ticket; creating the perfect late summer concoction!
Lavender Simple Syrup
¾ cup water
1 cup sugar
5-6 lavender sprigs or 2 teaspoons food grade lavender flowers
Make the simple syrup in advance to allow it to cool sufficiently before using. Over medium heat, bring the water to a boil and the sugar and lavender stirring until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let sit for 5-10 minutes to steep the lavender. Pour the syrup through a strainer and allow to cool completely.
Lemon Lavender MojitosJuice of ½ a lemon, freshly squeezed
1½ oz. lavender simple syrup
2 oz. Wicked Dolphin Silver rum
1 oz. soda water (give or take)
If you want a true mojito experience, you can muddle some fresh lavender in the bottom of the cocktail glass before pouring. In a cocktail shaker, mix lemon juice, lavender syrup and rum with ice and pour into a cocktail glass. Top with soda water and give a quick stir. Now get wicked!
