Summer Sips - Coconut Lime Mojito

It's no secret I love entertaining. And I love a good cocktail. Especially in the Summer. I love the sunny backyard, full of friends laughter, kids splashing in the pool, music playing as we talk and relax and enjoy the longer days that fade into balmy nights. 

To kick Summer off this year, we hosted an impromptu BBQ dinner for some families on our block the day school ended. The last week of school is always so hectic - I wasn't going to do anything "official" to celebrate. But at the last minute, the consummate hostess in me won out and a group text invite was sent!

I marinated some chicken, ran to TJ's for some fresh flowers, busted out the mason jars and broke into the liquor cabinet. (There was also a morning run to the Dollar Store for sand buckets, swim goggles, bubbles and candy...cause what is a party without favors?!) 

I made this Coconut Lime Mojito that night. It was refreshing, not too sweet, and still packed a punch! A great way to start the night off with a celebratory bang.

Coconut Lime Mojito

Ingredients for 4 drinks

1/2 cup of sugar

30-40 fresh mint leaves

4 limes, cut into wedges

8 oz White Rum

Coconut Sparkling Water

Ice

Combine sugar, 20 mint leaves and the juice of 1/2 a lime in a blender or cuisinart and pulse until everything is combined. Move mint sugar to a small dish. Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass to wet it, then dip in mint sugar to coat. Place 8-10 mint leaves and a lime wedge in each glass and muddle (I just used the back of a spoon) to release mint oils. Add remaining wedges of lime and 1 TBSP of mint sugar to each glass and muddle to release lime juices. Fill the glasses with ice. Pour 2 ounces of rum in each and top with Sparkling Coconut water. Mix well with a spoon and garnish with a sprig of mint! 

The night ended up better than I expected. Everyone brought something to share, the kids had a blast staying up late as did the parents! I love our street. We are blessed with fun loving friends who are neighbors, a great house we are proud to share, and smart, joyful children we love to celebrate.