I can't be bothered to go out and find guarapa or yerbabuena - just a spoiler for those who insist it's the best. I have a truckload of fresh mint I want to use this weekend, and thought of Mojitos as well as iced tea!

So what recipe for Mojitos is the best, in your opinion? Pool-side slugs demand to know.

Use simple syrup-about 1 T more or less. It's a lot better than sugar, which never dissolves. I made some with a vanilla bean in it and it came out really good. 1 - 1/2 limes, depending on the size, jolt of rum, and mint. Shake it up well with the mint and a bunch of ice. Pour in a glass and top it off with fizzy water of your choice.

I've made it with pineapple vodka instead of the rum - yum! Cut up one fresh pineapple and chop in to large cubes, pour over one bottle of vanilla vodka. Let it soak in the fridge for 2 weeks, strain out pineapple and pour vodka back into the bottle. Yum up on the pineapple. Store the vodka in the fridge.

I always understood yerba buena, or good herb, is mint. Yerbas or herbs are used a lot as Mexican home cures. As a child I was often given yerba buena tea for stomach ache. For cold sores my mom would wet a leaf and sprinkle salt on it and apply directly. It burned but that was the end of the pain for good! I don't recall all of the many uses for it in curing.

You know; my son and daughter in law love mojitos. I find their taste to be too sweet, and cloying. But of course, I suspect it is a male thing with me. I love a "Chi-Chi", which is a Pino Colada made with Vodka instead of Rum. I can't order one in in a bar or resturant. The thought of saying;
I would like a "Chi-Chi", would be more humiliating than I could bear. You women do not understand, what men endure to maintain our sense of machismo.

Maynard

Pam,
Thank you for posting this. I went out the next day and got the necessaries. 2 weeks was up Saturday, which happened to be my son's birthday. Since they had separate dinner plans, I celebrated my own
achievement (birthing, raising and giving the world a good man) with a
lovely pineapple vodka tonic! The pineapple by itself is a bit strong but a chunk is quite nice in a glass of iced tea and I'm sure I'll think of something else. I put in another batch yesterday. Cheers!

You can also infuse the simple syrup with the mint by heating it up together. Great flavor!

Strain and then put a few sprigs of mint in the glass.

I hate it when a little piece of mint comes up through the straw with each sip.

I like mine in a highball glass. It seems like I'm getting more that way.

I've been taking my boysenberries, cherries, or strawberries and mashing them in the bottom of a glass. Then I add tonic water for a refreshing beverage. When I get serious I add vodka.