Total Cost (minus sundries): $1.50 a drink

I’m not much of a drinker and I am a sucker for all things raspberry, so I thought I would put together some mockjitos (fauxjitos?) and add some raspberry simple syrup to the mix.  As the summer winds down (or is just starting here in San Francisco), these are nice drinks everyone can enjoy.

A couple of things to note:

To muddle: For some reason I have a mortar and pistol in my house.  I have no idea why.  I didn’t even know it was there until I needed it.  In the past I’ve used the blunt end of my ice cream scoop to crush stuff up and it worked fine.

The lime hull: Every bartender worth their weight adds a lime hull when they muddle the mint and syrup.  And by all means, you should too.  Don’t let me stop you.  I just decided to do without it.

Instructional video: http://vimeo.com/48429296

Ingredients

• 3/4 Cup Sugar
• 3/4 Cup Water
• 1 Package of Raspberries (about 1 1/2 cups)
• Fresh Mint
• Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• Sparkling Mineral Water
• Crushed Ice

Method

Step 1

SIMPLE SYRUP: To make the simple syrup, add the sugar, water and and raspberries to a sauce pan on medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to simmer. Reduce heat slightly and and gently simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 2

Allow to cool and then strain the syrup.

Step 3

MOCKJITO: Muddle 4 Tablespoons of the syrup (4 might be a lot, but I like them sweet. For a more subtle taste, go with 3 tablespoons) with 1 sprig of fresh mint at the bottom of the glass. Don't over muddle!

Step 4

Add 3 Tablespoons of lime juice, 6-8 oz of sparkling mineral water and some crushed ice to the glass and mix.

Step 5

Garnish with some mint and lime and enjoy!