Strawberry "Mojito" Lemonade! The Perfect Drink to Kick Off the Memorial Day Holiday!

 Last week was a great and not so great test run in the Live Bake Love kitchen. Once in a while, Faye and I get together to test out a few recipes we have had in our heads. The day started with me going to Faye's house where she served Mike,  her husband, and myself an amazing french toast breakfast. Trust me, it was amazing!!! Just look at this picture!

 After breakfast was done we started on our first test recipe, Circus Animal fudge... Well as you can see from the picture..

not so successful (yet) but I guarantee success in a few weeks. 

Then we proceeded to our amazing creation and success of the day...Strawberry "Mojito" Lemonade!  This drink was amazing.  I had been contemplating coming up with another drink recipe since the success of the Blackberry lemonade posted here. 

My mother is known for her fresh juices so I have been getting some great ideas from her lately. This one comes just in time for the Memorial day weekend. It is so refreshing and easy to make.  You and your guests will love it!  

The strawberry and mint compliment the lemon so it not too tart. Perfect amount of sugar from the infused syrup.   Then top it off with a little rum (or not) and start your weekend. 

 I hope you give this recipe a try and lets get this weekend started!!!

Happy Cooking everyone!

Strawberry "Mojito" Lemonade

Makes 1 pitcher

Approx 4-5 servings

Ingredients and Directions:

Infused Simple Syrup

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 cups water

6 mint leaves

1 strip of lemon peel

1 strawberry, halved

Place all of the ingredients in a medium size saucepan and cook over med-low heat until simmering (approx. 3-4 minutes).

Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temp.

Why syrup is cooling, make the fruit puree...

Fruit Puree

1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cups of chopped strawberries  (reserve 1 cup)

1/2 cup of loosely packed mint

1 cup water

Pulse all the above (only the one cup of berries) in a blender until strawberries and mint are combined (about 1 minute)

Combine the cooled simple syrup. strawberry - lemon juice puree and the and the remaining 1 cup of chopped strawberries in a large pitcher with 7 cups of cold water.

Strain into glass with lots of ice.

Add 1 shot of white rum  (or more if you like!)

Stir.

ENJOY!!!