Garden Games: The Longform Mojito 

Of the many cocktails I’ve encountered, Mojitos are inevitably the fastest to disappear. Seriously. Muddle up a round and you’ll be lucky if they last 10 minutes—they’re simply that good. When muddling seems like a chore, this longform Garden Mojito pitcher recipe delivers. The real trick to this recipe is adding the leaves from a couple of fresh thyme sprigs to the blended mint syrup for additional aromatic dimension. No fresh thyme? A few sage leaves or a large pinch of fresh rosemary leaves will do nicely. Save individually muddled Mojitos for (very small) special occasions and let this delightful pitcher drink be the workhorse on those hot days and summery nights that require a little more refreshment with a little less muscle. Double the Garden Mint Syrup recipe when planning for weekend guests and the occasional friendly pop-ins, and you’ll be glad to grant additional energy and attention to your company. Skip the rum for a refreshing mocktail solution and feel glad you’re not blistering your muddling hand on Mojito number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 … You get the picture! 

I turn to this recipe when the weather warms up and mint springs up in the garden. Remember to add a pinch of a pungent woody herb like thyme or rosemary to give the recipe that necessary secret extra oomph.