Mojitos are very refreshing, which makes them a great summer drink, but of course can be enjoyed at any time.
The trickiest part of making a sugar-free Mojito is that sugar helps release the flavor from the mint (think of sugared strawberries and the juice that forms -- it's a similar thing). I've found that special attention needs to be given to the "muddling" part -- really smash those mint leaves! Also, sugar alcohols (the best being erythritol) are much better than other sugar substitutes for releasing the mint. The cooling aspect of erythritol works really well in a mojito.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. (2 tablespoons) lime juice or lime wedges from about a third of a lime
- 8 mint leaves
- 1 heaping tablespoon erythritol or other sugar substitute equalling a tablespoon or sugar (see note above)
- 1 jigger (1½ oz.) white rum (nutritional analysis uses 80 proof)
- Club soda
Preparation:
1. Put mint, lime or lime juice, and sweetener into the bottom of a highball glass. "Muddle" by mashing ingredients together. Traditionally, a "muddler", which looks like a miniature wooden baseball bat, is used to accomplish this. However, the handle of a wooden spoon or spatula works fine.
2. Fill the glass about ¾ of the way with ice. Add the rum and top with club soda. Stir and enjoy.
2. Fill the glass about ¾ of the way with ice. Add the rum and top with club soda. Stir and enjoy.
Nutritional Information: Each serving has 2 grams effective carbohydrate and 103 calories.
