The mojito is a traditional Cuban drink that is sweet and refreshing, with a rum kick. All summer long my herb garden is taken over with a huge patch of spearmint and I couldn’t be happier about it. As one of our most popular drink specials, the mojito is delicious on its own or with the addition of berries or other fruit. The blackberries make for a dramatic presentation.

image courtesy of Hartstone Inn, Camden

Blackberry Mojito
Michael Salmon, Hartstone Inn, Camden

½ cup fresh mint leaves
4 teaspoons granulated sugar (or 2 packets of Splenda)
2 limes
¼ cup fresh blackberries
¾ cup light rum
1 cup club soda
2 sprigs fresh mint for garnish

Place the mint and sugar in a mortar and “muddle” it with a pestle. Squeeze in the lime juice and add half of the blackberries. Lightly crush the berries.

Pour the mixture into a cocktail shaker and add the light rum and club soda. Shake to mix.

Place 4 large cubes of ice in two rocks glasses and divide the drink equally between them.

Garnish each glass with the remaining blackberries and a sprig of fresh mint.

Michael Salmon is the chef and owner of The Hartstone Inn.