Eat.Drink.Lagos

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Thirsty Thursdays with Drinks.ng: DIY Strawberry Mojitos

FOLLY: When I was in college, Thirsty Thursday was a thing along with Electric Tuesday. There was also dance night on Wednesdays but I didn't really get into that. The best bar specials were on Thursday though, $1 beers and $2 rails (cocktails made with bottom shelf liquor). 

NOSA: The bottom-est of shelf. Like, Taaka level bottom.

FOLLY: Well thank God, I have this blog now cause I'm about to make Thirsty Thursday a thing in Lagos.

NOSA: We work on Friday. It can't click.

FOLLY: The difference here is that instead of going out to get said cocktail, you go home and make it yourself because:

  1. Economy is tough and you need something to drown your sorrows
  2. Bars in Lagos charge too much for drinks. 
  3. Mojitos are my all time favourite cocktail and should be yours too. 
See this menu in the original post

HOW TO MAKE

INGREDIENTS

  1. 3-4 fresh mint leaves
  2. 1 ounce strawberry syrup
  3. 2 fresh strawberries
  4. 1 teaspoon of granulated cane sugar
  5. Crushed ice
  6. Half Lime
  7. 2 oz rum/3-4 oz soda water
  8. 1 ounce lime/lemon juice

METHOD I (STIRRING METHOD)

  1. In a high ball glass, muddle mint leaves, strawberry and lime. This is to release the flavours of the mint, strawberry and lime.
  2. Add the lime/lemon juice, the strawberry syrup and sugar.
  3. Fill ¾ of the glass with ice, and stir well using the bar spoon.
  4. Top with soda/rum.
  5. Garnish with mint leaves and fresh strawberry. 

METHOD II (SHAKING METHOD)

  1. Wash and cut strawberries and lime into chunks. Remember to seed the lime, because the seeds make the Mojito bitter.
  2. Wash mint leaves and place in a shaker with the strawberry and lime chunks.
  3. Muddle the mint, strawberry and lime with a muddler, or the back of a spoon. (The essence of muddling is to extract the oils and flavours of these ingredients, which is responsible for Mojito’s exquisite taste).
  4. Add the sugar.
  5. Now pour the crushed ice directly on the muddled ingredients and pour the rum on top of the ice. You’ll notice the liquid float on the ice.
  6. Cover the shaker tightly and shake well, till all the ingredients mix properly.
  7. Top with soda, and strain into the glass.
  8. Garnish with strawberry (with its root) or lime wedges.