MOJITO: A MUST SIP

With the weather getting warmer it only seems right to want a drink as fresh and fragrant as a spring day. With the aromatic scent and fresh flavor of mint, the mojito is a must sip this Spring.
You can even grow fresh mint in your herb garden so you are able to make this refreshing drink for parties or you can simply enjoy it during a night on the town.

Whether you choose the former or latter, here are the best places to enjoy a mojito in Birmingham and a recipe to have on hand so you can make your own.
1. Jinsei - Birmingham's hottest sushi place located at Soho in Homewood makes a yummy Strawberry mojito - big, fresh, and sweet.
2. Bottega - Refreshing and light enjoy Frank Stitt's version at Bottega Restaurant or Bottega Cafe.
3. Cocina Superior - This frozen concoction comes garnished with a stick of sugar cane and is so sinfully good.

And for all you Martha Stewart's the actual Mojito Recipe:
3 fresh mint sprigs
2 tsp sugar
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 1/2 oz light rum
splash of club soda

In a tall thin glass, crush part of the mint with a fork to coat the inside. Add the sugar and lime juice and stir thoroughly. Top with ice. Add rum and mix. Top off with *chilled* club soda (or seltzer). Add a lime slice and the remaining mint, and serve.

Tip: When ordering at a restaurant you may want to ask for the simple syrup on the side this way you can add to taste to avoid it being too sweet. Most reputable restaurants understand this request and can do it no problem.

Tip: Experiment with flavors - in the summer try a pineapple mojito, in the winter a cranberry mojito, and for your health a pomegranate mojito.