Citrus Refresh Mojito
This vibrant Citrus Refresh Mojito showcases the delightful flavors of kumquats, a unique citrus fruit with a sweet skin and tangy juice. Inspired by traditional Cuban mojitos, this refreshing cocktail combines the zesty influence of lime and the aromatic essence of mint, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Ideal for warm afternoons or festive gatherings, this cocktail not only pleases the palate but also offers an eye-catching presentation with fresh kumquat slices and mint leaves, making every sip a joyful experience.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kumquats
8 large (sliced and seeded)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (granulated)
Mint leaves
6 (fresh)
Lime
1 large (juiced)
Light rum
3/4 cup (none)
Crushed ice
1-2 cups (for serving)
Club soda
3/4 cup (for topping)
Sugar cane
2 sticks (8 inches long (optional, for garnish))
Instructions
1
Begin by reserving 4 kumquat slices for garnish, setting them aside.
2
In a large cocktail shaker, combine the remaining kumquat slices, sugar, 4 mint leaves, and the juice of one large lime.
3
Using a bar mallet or the back of a large spoon, gently muddle the kumquats and mint together with the sugar until the mixture is well combined and the sugar has mostly dissolved.
4
Pour in the light rum and shake the mixture vigorously to blend all the flavors.
5
Fill two tall glasses with crushed ice to the brim.
6
Strain the mojito mixture over the crushed ice, allowing the invigorating flavors to soak in.
7
Top each glass with club soda, pouring gently to avoid excess fizzing, and stir lightly with a straw or spoon to mix the ingredients.
8
Finally, garnish each drink with the reserved kumquat slices, the remaining mint leaves, and an optional sugar cane stick for a rustic touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Citrus Refresh Mojito?
The Citrus Refresh Mojito is a vibrant cocktail that features the sweet skin and tangy juice of kumquats, combined with lime, mint, and light rum for a refreshing twist on a traditional Cuban mojito.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The primary ingredients include 8 large kumquats, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 6 fresh mint leaves, 1 large lime for juicing, 3/4 cup of light rum, crushed ice, and 3/4 cup of club soda.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What type of citrus fruit is unique to this mojito?
This recipe uniquely features kumquats, which provide a sweet and tangy flavor profile compared to standard lime-only mojitos.
How should I prepare the kumquats?
The kumquats should be sliced and seeded before being added to the cocktail shaker.
Is there a specific way to muddle the ingredients?
Yes, you should use a bar mallet or the back of a large spoon to gently muddle the kumquat slices, mint, and sugar together until the sugar has mostly dissolved.
Can I use any type of rum?
The recipe specifically calls for 3/4 cup of light rum to maintain a clean and refreshing flavor.
What is the purpose of the club soda?
Club soda is used as a topper to add carbonation and lighten the drink. It should be poured gently to avoid excess fizzing.
How do I garnish the Citrus Refresh Mojito?
Garnish each glass with reserved kumquat slices, fresh mint leaves, and an optional 8-inch sugar cane stick for a rustic presentation.
How much sugar is used in this drink?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
How many mint leaves do I need per recipe?
You need 6 fresh mint leaves in total: 4 for the muddling process and the remainder for garnish.
Do I need to shake or stir this cocktail?
The initial mixture of rum, muddled citrus, and mint is shaken vigorously, while the final addition of club soda is stirred lightly.
What type of ice is best for this recipe?
Crushed ice is recommended, with 1 to 2 cups used to fill the glasses to the brim.
Can I use a sugar cane stick as a stirrer?
Yes, the recipe suggests using two 8-inch sugar cane sticks as an optional garnish and rustic touch.
Is this drink suitable for summer?
Absolutely, its refreshing citrus and mint profile makes it ideal for warm afternoons and summer gatherings.
What should I do with the lime?
You should juice one large lime and add it to the cocktail shaker with the kumquats and sugar.
Should I strain the mixture?
Yes, after shaking the rum with the muddled ingredients, you strain the mojito mixture over the crushed ice.
Is this cocktail considered festive?
Yes, the vibrant colors of the kumquats and mint make it a great choice for festive occasions.
How much rum is in each serving?
Since the recipe uses 3/4 cup of light rum for 2 servings, each glass contains 3/8 cup of rum.
Can I make this drink without sugar?
While the recipe calls for granulated sugar to balance the tartness of the kumquats and lime, you could adjust it to your taste preference.
What size of kumquats should I use?
The recipe recommends 8 large kumquats.
How long should the sugar cane sticks be?
If using the optional sugar cane garnish, the sticks should be approximately 8 inches long.
Is this recipe easy to scale up for a party?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more guests.
What kind of glasses are best for serving?
The recipe suggests using two tall glasses filled with crushed ice.
Can I substitute the light rum?
While light rum is traditional for mojitos, you could experiment with other spirits, though it will change the flavor profile.
Do I muddle the mint separately?
No, the mint is muddled together with the kumquat slices and sugar.
Why is seeding the kumquats important?
Seeding the kumquats ensures that no bitter seeds end up in the cocktail or interfere with the drinking experience.
How much club soda goes into each glass?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of club soda total, which is roughly 3/8 cup per glass.
What does the sugar cane stick add to the drink?
The sugar cane stick adds a rustic visual appeal and a subtle sweetness as it sits in the drink.
Is fresh mint necessary?
Yes, fresh mint is essential for the aromatic essence and traditional flavor of a mojito.