Muddle; Churn ∙ 4 min ∙ 12.7% ABV ∙
The Strawberry and Balsamic Mojito adds fresh strawberries and a splash of white balsamic vinegar to the muddled rum classic.
The Strawberry and Balsamic Mojito has no documented creator. It is a modern riff on the Mojito, the Cuban highball of white rum, lime, sugar, mint, and soda water, that adds muddled strawberry for sweetness and a splash of white balsamic vinegar for acidity and depth.
Five fresh strawberries, 14 mint leaves, 60 ml light gold rum and 15 ml lime juice, plus 5 ml white balsamic vinegar and 10 ml sugar syrup. A 15 ml splash of soda water goes on top.
Yes, it is a well-established pairing. The vinegar's acidity and mild sweetness sharpen the strawberry's flavor instead of masking it, which is why this drink adds 5 ml of white balsamic to the muddled fruit.
Over-muddling the mint, which releases bitter, grassy flavors instead of its aromatic oils. This recipe sidesteps it: only the strawberries are muddled, and the whole mint leaves are churned with crushed ice.
Beyond the balsamic this recipe adds, common variations swap the mint for basil or use other berries such as raspberry. Some use a spiced or aged rum instead of light gold rum.