Refreshing Lemongrass & Thai Basil Mojito
Indulge in a tropical twist on the classic mojito with this Refreshing Lemongrass & Thai Basil Mojito. Start by preparing a fragrant lemongrass simple syrup, which will infuse your cocktail with a delightful citrusy aroma. This process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring each sip is packed with zesty and herbal notes. Once your syrup is ready, mix fresh lime wedges and aromatic Thai basil to create a vibrant base for the drink. Add a generous splash of white rum, top it off with sparkling club soda, and garnish with extra basil or lemongrass sticks for an extra touch. Perfect for summer gatherings or lively evenings, this cocktail brings a burst of refreshing flavor, making it an irresistible choice for cocktail enthusiasts.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemongrass
2 stalks (chopped into 1-inch pieces and bruised)
sugar
1/4 cup (for syrup)
lime
2 (sliced into 8 wedges)
fresh Thai basil
1 large handful (for muddling and garnish)
sugar
2 teaspoons (for muddling)
white rum
8 ounces (for cocktail)
club soda
as required (to top up)
ice
to serve
lemongrass stalks
optional (trimmed for stir sticks)
Instructions
1
Start by making the lemongrass simple syrup. Chop the lemongrass stalks into 1-inch pieces and bruise them with a mortar and pestle to release their essential oils.
2
In a pot, combine the chopped lemongrass, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
3
Turn off the heat and allow the syrup to infuse for at least 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
4
Once infused, strain the syrup, pressing down on the lemongrass to extract as much flavor as possible. Chill the strained syrup until ready for use. Store any leftover syrup in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 2 weeks.
5
To assemble the mojito, place four cocktail glasses on a work surface. Add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to each glass.
6
Place 1 lime wedge in each glass along with a generous handful of fresh Thai basil. Use a muddler to gently press the ingredients together, releasing the juices and flavors.
7
Pour 2 ounces of white rum and 2 ounces of the prepared lemongrass syrup into each glass.
8
Fill each glass with ice, top with club soda, and give it a gentle stir.
9
Garnish with additional Thai basil or lemongrass stalks if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Refreshing Lemongrass & Thai Basil Mojito?
It is a tropical twist on the classic mojito that features a fragrant lemongrass simple syrup and aromatic Thai basil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to assemble four cocktail glasses.
What are the main ingredients for the lemongrass syrup?
You will need 2 stalks of lemongrass, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water.
How should I prepare the lemongrass for the syrup?
Chop the stalks into 1-inch pieces and bruise them with a mortar and pestle to release their essential oils.
How long should the lemongrass syrup simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
How long does the syrup need to infuse?
The syrup should infuse for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a stronger flavor.
How should I store leftover lemongrass syrup?
Store any leftover syrup in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 2 weeks.
What is the first step in assembling the mojito?
Place four cocktail glasses on a work surface and add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to each glass.
How much sugar is used for muddling in each glass?
The recipe uses a total of 2 teaspoons of sugar for muddling, which is divided as 1/2 teaspoon per glass.
How many lime wedges go into each cocktail?
Place 1 lime wedge in each glass for muddling.
What type of basil is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses fresh Thai basil for its aromatic and herbal notes.
What is the purpose of muddling the ingredients?
Muddling the lime and Thai basil helps to gently release their juices and aromatic oils.
What kind of rum is recommended for this mojito?
The recipe calls for white rum.
How much white rum is used per serving?
Each glass receives 2 ounces of white rum.
How much lemongrass syrup is added to each glass?
Each glass requires 2 ounces of the prepared and chilled lemongrass syrup.
What is used to top off the mojito?
The drink is topped off with sparkling club soda.
How should the drink be garnished?
Garnish with additional Thai basil or trimmed lemongrass stalks used as stir sticks.
Should the lemongrass syrup be chilled before use?
Yes, once the syrup is strained, it should be chilled until you are ready to assemble the cocktails.
How do I extract the most flavor when straining the syrup?
When straining, press down on the lemongrass pieces to extract as much flavor as possible.
Is this cocktail suitable for summer?
Yes, it is described as perfect for summer gatherings or lively evenings.
What does bruising the lemongrass do?
Bruising the lemongrass with a mortar and pestle helps release the essential oils for a more fragrant syrup.
Can I make the lemongrass syrup in advance?
Yes, it can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 ingredients listed including the optional lemongrass garnish.
What are the flavor profiles of this drink?
The drink features zesty citrus and herbal notes with a fragrant lemongrass aroma.
Does this recipe include nutritional information?
No, the calorie, fat, carbohydrate, and protein counts are not specified in the recipe data.
Is there a specific way to stir the mojito?
After topping with ice and club soda, give the drink a gentle stir.
Can I use regular lime?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 limes sliced into wedges.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cocktail, mojito, lemongrass, thai basil, summer cocktails, and mixology.
What is the total amount of white rum needed?
The recipe requires a total of 8 ounces of white rum.
When should I serve the mojito?
The mojito should be served immediately after assembly for the best refreshing experience.