Summertime Libations

Summer is for drinking, and we've made a few interesting new drinks this week that I thought I'd share.

This is a classic mojito. Tear up six or seven large mint leaves, and crush with a teaspoon of sugar. Add the juice of one lime, a shot of good white rum, pour over a glass of ice, and top off with club soda to taste.

I hate to admit I stole this idea from Martha Stewart, but cherries are cheap and delicious right now so I tried it. Pit seven or so cherries and let sit in a shot of vodka for at least ten minutes. Flavored vodka is fine; I used ginger. Add a teaspoon of simple syrup or sugar, juice of half a lime, and top off with club soda.

Ah, an adult chocolate mint milkshake. One shot of Godiva dark chocolate liquer, a few drops of peppermint oil, and two shots of half and half (nonfat is a great thing to use here). It looks fun layered, but remember to stir before drinking!

And, J's new pride and joy: absinthe. No, we didn't have someone smuggle it in from Europe. This is an American version that doesn't use the type of wormwood that is banned in the US for its unproven hallucinogenic qualities. You mix the absinthe with some ice water and sugar and it becomes a creamy green color instead of clear like it is here. It does have a pleasant aroma, and the flavor isn't as objectionable as I'd thought it'd be. But I just don't like the taste of black licorice.