NEW YEARS EVE STRAWBERRY MOJITOS WITH SIMPLE SYRUP ENJOY DAN:

NEW YEARS EVE STRAWBERRY MOJITOS WITH SIMPLE SYRUP by CHEF DAN:

Makes 4 Mojitos

INGREDIENTS:

12 fresh strawberries, hulled

1 cup light rum

1/2-cup simple syrup (recipe to follow)

2 cans club soda or sparking water

1 tablespoon lime juice

12 fresh mint leaves

Ice and fresh mint for garnish

SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE:

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

12 fresh mint leaves

SIMPLE SYRUP:

1.   Mix 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar in a sauce pan; heat until boiling.

2.   Stir until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute.

3.   Turn off heat.

4.    Then toss in a handful of mint leaves and let steep for 1 hour or so.

5.   Strain out the leaves and store in the fridge until ready to use.

MOJITO:

1.   In a pitcher, add the fresh strawberries and a handful mint leaves.

2.   Using a wooden spoon, crush the mint and strawberries to release the juices and flavors.

3.   Add a 1/4-cup simple syrup, lime juice and rum and mix well.

4.   Top with seltzer water or club soda.

5.   Stir and garnish with lime slices in the glass and fresh strawberries on the rim.

ENJOY DAN:                                               BON-APPETITE!!