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On a hot summer day, this is the most refreshing cocktail. I served it at a party recently and one pitcher was gone in about 10 minutes.
I love mojitos ~ mint, limejuice, rum, sugar ~ this Cuban drink is so bright and effervescent.
Equally thirst-quenching is Prosecco ~ a dry sparkling Italian white wine with a hint of apple, white peach and honeysuckle.
This cocktail fusion is Cuba and Italy in a glass. The bubbles in the Prosecco leave the lively flavors of mint and lime bouncing off your tongue.
When I first made this, I assumed the ladies at the party would sip on it as the men drank their traditional six-packs of microbrews. But once the men tasted their wives’ drinks, they left the beer behind and the pitcher was gone in no time.
When making this cocktail, you’ll make a mint simple syrup, which yields 1 1/3 cups. The recipe below calls for 3/4 cup of the syrup. I recommend you buy a 750 ml bottle of rum, two bottles of Prosecco, and two cans of limeade, because you’ll be asked to make another batch. I promise.
Also, this drink is not served on the rocks. You don’t want to water it down. Instead, freeze limes. They’ll keep the drink cool and enhance the flavors.
This is a pretty potent drink; although you’d never know by tasting it, so as always, drink responsibly. Salute.
Ingredients
- 8 limes
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 bunch mint leaves
- 2 cups rum
- 1 12-oz. can frozen limeade concentrate
- water
- 1 bottle Prosecco sparkling wine
Instructions
Cut limes into 8 pieces each and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place in the freezer.
In a small pot, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar. Heat over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add a generous amount of mint (about 30 leaves) and steep for 15 minutes.
Strain the liquid to remove the mint and chill.
In a large pitcher, combine the rum and limeade concentrate. Fill the limeade can with water and add that to the mix. Stir in 3/4 cup of the mint simple syrup. (save the rest for the next pitcher)
When ready to serve, place a couple frozen limes in each glass. Then place the rest in the pitcher. Add the Prosecco. Pour and serve with a sprig of mint.
3 comments
Jackie @Syrup and Biscuits says:
June 23, 2012 at 19:39 (UTC -7)
Sparkling wine just seems to make drinks more refreshing. I use it, too! Prosecco is a favorite!
Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef says:
June 15, 2012 at 22:42 (UTC -7)
I love Italy and I adore Cuba – this drink is perfect for me!
zestuous says:
June 15, 2012 at 22:48 (UTC -7)
Thanks Maureen. Cheers.