This recipe for Red Currant Mojito came about when I received a bunch of red currants from a neighbour, who grows them.
It challenged me to come up with a recipe, which a sudden abundance always does. And, because I have never published a cocktail recipe, and have been wanting to, this seemed like the perfect opportunity. And with all the mint growing in my own garden, a mojito was calling to me. Plus, it's summertime, which means, cocktails on the deck, right?
About Red Currant
Red currant (or in the UK, redcurrant) are beautiful berries with a delightful balance of tart and sweet. Currants are closely related to the gooseberry, and there are black and white varieties besides the red. They are delicious eaten just as they are and on salads and desserts. Red currants are a super healthy food, too. Check out all the nutrition benefits of eating these little berries: What Are the Nutrients in Red Currants?
Fun Facts About Red Currants
Here's an interesting fact: the dried currants that you can buy in the store are not currants at all, but a small seedless dried grape. This is from an old cookbook; "The Kitchen Gardener's Companion" by Pat Katz. Looking through my huge cookbook collection for inspiration was disappointing. Currants are rarely mentioned, and even then, usually only for jams and jellies.
Red Currant Simple Syrup
Left to my own inspiration, I made a very simple syrup with my currants to use in this drink. You can also use this syrup to make a lovely vinaigrette, pour on pancakes, ice cream or as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork. I love recipes that serve more than one purpose, and this one really does.
A classic mojito is usually muddled mint, sugar, lime and rum. This red currant mojito just adds a new and yummy dimension.
You don't need to stem the currants since they will be strained out.
Recipe
Red Currant Mojito
Ingredients
Red Currant Syrup
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups red currants
For the Mojitos
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 4 ounces red currant syrup
- juice of ½ lime
- 24 fresh mint leaves plus one for garnish
- 8 ounces white rum
- 16 ounces club soda
Instructions
- To make syrup, put sugar and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add currants and continue to boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and use a potato masher to crush any unbroken berries.
- Allow it to cool completely. Strain and discard solids.
- To make each mojito, in a 16- ounce mason jar, put all ingredients except club soda. Put a lid on the jar and shake vigorously.
- Remove the lid, top with club soda, and garnish with a mint leaf and a sprig of red currant berries.
- Serve immediately with a straw for sipping.
Nutrition
Bernice Hill
Congratulations on the red currant harvest! Isn't it so satisfying to grow something delicious on your own and then create something even more delicious? I love the idea of a Red Currant Mojito! Great post Colleen.
Colleen
Yes, so satisfying! Thanks so much Bernice!
Melissa
What a fun update on the classic!!! I will be having this by the pool for sure!
Colleen
That sounds like a great plan Melissa!
Sean
I just cooked with red currants the other day (I love them in savoury dishes), but I've never made a drink with them! I've got a good bunch of them left in the fridge though... so perhaps it's time to start experimenting a little bit! 😀
Colleen
Awesome Sean, I'll have to find your recipe!
Shauna
The flavour combo sounds delicious and looks stunning too! Mojitos are one of my summer faves!
Colleen
Thank you Shauna, one of my faves, too. So refreshing!
Jolina - The Unlikely Baker
I actually took 5 seconds before I scrolled down. I was just staring at the picture of those mojitos! Ah Friday. I need those this weekend. And they remind me of Christmas too so that's a bonus. Cheers to the weekend indeed! (I wonder where I could find currants though...I haven't seen them around)
Colleen
Thanks Jolina! I think you could use any other berry if you can't find currants. I'm even thinking pomegranate.
Cassie @ Crumb Kitchen
This is fabulous. Red currants are so tart but so, so delicious. I love how you used currant syrup and fresh mint leaves...really taking advantage of this beautiful summer we're having! 🙂
Colleen
Thanks Cassie! Isn't this the best time of year? Love how everything is growing.