It’s summertime, it’s Friday, I feel like it’s a day about cocktails!  Anyone else interested?

So what do you do when it’s so hot outside you feel like you can’t even move?   You invite over some friends, fire up the grill, and make a pitcher of something that’ll cure ya.  See,  I used to be a bartender.  Oh yeah, back in the day I was a mean drink slinger!  It really was quite a blast, and in fact it’s how I landed the hubs, but that’s a story for another day, trust me, it’s a doozy!  Anyway, summertime always reminds me of bartending as I spent my college summers working the bars, eating nothing but the olives, cherries, and oranges in the service trays. Hey, I had to save that money for going out right?  That’s where I learned when life hands you some lemons (or limes as the case may be when you’re tending bar) you learn to make….mojitos!!!

For one pitcher of mojitos.  Serves 4, or 2, or 1…

One half of a seedless watermelon

8 fresh mint leaves

juice of 2 limes

3 T sugar

1 cup rum

ice

1 cup lemon lime soda

Cut your watermelon into large chunks and toss into a blender.  Puree until smooth then pour through a strainer into a bowl.  Set aside.

In the bottom of a large pitcher toss in a bunch of ice cubes.  Throw in your mint leaves and sugar.  Using the nonstirring side of a wooden spoon smush the mint into the ice and sugar and stir around (ie muddle the mint).  Squeeze the lime juice over the ice.   Pour in your rum, strained watermelon, and soda.  Give it a quick stir and pour into a glass.

Serve with a lime wedge and sprig of mint.  Sit back, relax and enjoy.  If you’re joining us through the Friday Follows what a day to arrive.  Grab a drink and leave us a note so we know you were here and we can return the favor!

Feel free to replace the rum with some lemon lime soda for the kiddies, even some lemonade would do the trick if you’re a non-drinker.  Either way it’s a great excuse to gather some friends and enjoy the summer air.  What’s your favorite Friday night cocktail?