Spring Cocktails: Backyard Sandbox Playdate

 

 

Logan's a fan of making cocktails. Why do it only at the holidays? why not do it when the weather gets warmer and all your clothes come flying off. Yes! From Logan:

If, for whatever reason, Liss can't have a Sierra Nevada, Prosecco is what she reaches for. When she found a recipe for a Prosecco Mojito a few weeks ago, it sounded like a cocktail she'd like a lot. I don't know many people who don't like a Mojito. It's light and refreshing -- a great drink to have on the deck in the sun, but I likes me a variation on a theme! We tried the recipe and it was good, but we felt it had more potential than our results revealed. I made a few changes and additions and we agreed it was better. Don't ask what made me think adding ginger ale was a good idea, but it does add some subtle but tasty flavor.

I had a "knowledgeable" cocktail drinking friend over tonight (they named a drink after him at a local bar) and I made one for him (and for the photo) and he said it was the best Mojito he's ever had. But don't take our word for it -- make this drink for yourself and some friends and you be the judge.

  

Backyard Sandbox Playdate

5-6 mint leaves
1/2 to whole lime, cut in quarters
1/2 teaspoon sugar
splash of triple sec
2oz light rum
2oz ginger ale
2oz Prosecco

In a tall glass, muddle the mint leaves, lime sections, sugar and triple sec (I recommend Cointreau or Grand Marnier). Make sure you get as much of the lime juice muddled out of the limes as you can. Add the Prosecco, Ginger Ale and Rum. For this recipe I used Mount Gay Eclipse Silver (I'm more a fan of dark rums, that brand was recommended to me by our market wine/liquor dept manager. It isn’t overly powerful, it doesn’t leave a bad taste in your mouth and makes a perfect mixer. It was a little more expensive than Bacardi). Stir and enjoy!

  

Comments

[Lauren]

As a longtime reader can I just say: GOD I love the name of that cocktail. Hearkens us back to the great televised battle when you schooled Dr. Janettaylor!

[jdg]

I am all about adding ginger ale to liquor. will try this when the mint's grown up.

[Pants]

they don't sell mint at the farmer's market? what would it cost there? a nickel? splurge and enjoy jim!

use boylan's ginger ale (or the like) if you can find it

[ella]

Yes!!!

I heart summer time drinks.

I'm starting my very one cocktail recipe book.

Thanks Logan!

[Inquirer]

I have had a hellish week. I am going to make these this afternoon and sit outside (even if it is raining in south Texas).

[Alyce]

I love these cocktail posts. They make me giddy with anticipation. Too bad it snowed here overnight (!!!!), or I'd try it this weekend.

[BonDotts]

I wonder how it would be if one were to release the Kraken on that.

[Kelly H]

YEAH!! More cocktails from Logan!! This looks delicious. We are having a party next weekend and I may have to serve these. Never thought of using prosecco. Double yum.

[melissa]

my mouth is watering. that sounds wonderful. might have to use the recipe when my pool is fully opened and we start having parties at my house. i think those will be much appreciated!!

[Sugared Harpy]

I'm going to love having this in the arsenal, because people do loves their mojitos.

But I'm one of those who don't! It tastes like toothpaste to me. Even "good" ones do. I can't help it!

[Inquirer]

O.K. So it is not raining. The sun is out. And I am drinking my first of these of the day. They are fabulous. Do you think I can walk into the school to pick up my kids with one in hand?

[Jamie]

If I wasn't pregnant right now, I'd demand we make one (or a pitcher) of these as soon as the other kids went to bed.

I agree: more cocktail recipes from Logan please!

[Michie]

If you like sparkling wine cocktails and don't have a dislike of gin, I highly recommend trying your hand at French 75s. Though I have seen quite a variation in recipes, I typically use one shot of gin, 1/2 shot of simple syrup, 1/2 shot of fresh lemon juice, and ~4 or 5 ounces of champagne. On the rocks. Lemon twist garnish. Delish.

(Even if you don't like gin, I can not taste it, so it might still be worth a try.)

[Amy]

I wish my hubby would make me yummy cocktails!

[Rebecca]

This looks awesome. Can't wait to have a party and break these out. My mint is ready!
@BonDotts: you're killing me.

[Amanda]

I kid you not, last week I was thinking "I really wish Logan would post some summer cocktail recipes. I should e-mail Melissa and ask!" Suburban Bliss: Now with psychic powers.

[watercolor]

omgosh! going to have to try. i've never made a cocktai (i just order them... haha) but i may change my ways to try this one....

[Jen]

Please tell me you have a book deal going and I'll be able to reference all of these awesome drinks in one handy place? If you don't, have your publicist get on it a.s.a.p - summer is almost here and I need ammo for the Friday at Five gatherings...

[erika edith]

The only person in my house that helps me drink is the dog - who has been trained to fetch beer from the fridge. That sounds bad when I write it out. What I mean to say is, good job on finding a man that makes delicious alcoholic beverages.

[Xdm]

Here is my fave. A great restaurant on the Eastern Shore makes it and calls it "The Golddigger." In a shaker over ice: 2 parts vodka, one part cointreau, three parts Pineapple juice. Shake that mofo up and pour into Martini glass. fresh pineapple juice like "Everfresh' from the cold case works best. If it's too strong, put a splash of soda or fresca in there. You're welcome.
xo

[Heidi Vandiver]

Well, I guess I do have plans for this weekend. Thank you.

[Dawn]

A mojito made with Prosecco? Be still my beating heart! Plus, always, always looking for ways to use up the plethora of mint that springs from one little plant...thank God, I contained it!

[radiosound]

Thank you so much for posting these. I tried these tonight, and was lucky enough to try a sample before the guests arrived.

Perhaps it was my limes, but I think the recipe needs a LOT more sugar (like 3x the required), or definitely keep it to 1/2 the lime instead of 3/4.

Also, consider adding ice right after the muddling-it becomes a little bit of a challenge to build once the ingredients start stacking up.

I think this one's a winner-I'm just going to keep tweaking it a bit. Cheers!

[Melissa Summers]

Yeah we like less sweet more sour.

Sent from my iPhone with fat fingers on tiny keys.

[Jeni]

I don't know what the exact recipe is but I saw this pic today and immediately thought of this post. http://bit.ly/a9beAx