Lemongrass and Thai Basil Mojito

This Lemongrass and Thai Basil Mojito is sweet, fizzy, and just a little bit exotic.

I recently received a couple of bunches of Thai basil, but initially wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. You can thank the good folks of Reddit for this cocktail recipe. I posted in the cocktails subreddit asking for help, and this is what was suggested!

To start, you’ll want to make the lemongrass simple syrup. This is something you’ll want to do ahead of time, either earlier in the day or the day before you want to make cocktails. We’ve done simple syrup before. It’s, well, simple.

This recipe is slightly modified from the one from The Kitchn.

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Lemongrass and Thai Basil Mojito

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

2 hrs

Total Time

2 hrs 20 mins

 

Course: Beverage, Cocktail

Cuisine: American, Cuban

Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

For the lemongrass simple syrup (makes 1 cup)

• 3 stalks lemongrass
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water

For the cocktail (makes 1)

• 1 thin slice of lime
• 4 leaves fresh Thai basil
• 2 oz white rum
• 2 oz lemongrass simple syrup
• ice
• Coconut LaCroix or club soda

Instructions

To make the lemongrass simple syrup

1. Start by cutting your stalks of lemongrass into 1-inch sections. Bruise them with a meat mallet/rolling pin/mortar and pestle. Set them aside for a moment.
2. Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is entirely dissolved. Allow it to come to a boil, then turn off the heat. Add the lemongrass and allow it to steep for 2 hours.
3. Strain the syrup, pressing down on the lemongrass to extract all of the flavor. This simple syrup will keep in the fridge for about 4 weeks.

To make the cocktail

1. Add the slice of lime and basil leaves to the bottom of a glass. Muddle them together. 

2. Add the rum, simple syrup, and ice. Top off with some Coconut Lacroix or club soda.

Recipe Notes

Notes: The method for making simple syrup can be found here

Need more fizzy summer cocktails in your life? I strongly suggest you try a Coconut Mojito.  You’ll thank me later.  Still need more fizzy La Croix-based drinks?  The Grapefruit Crush and Orange Creamsicle Crush are delightful, as is a Blackberry Lime Vodka Fizz.