📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Ginger Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of water and ½ cup of sugar. Add 2 inches of peeled and sliced fresh ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the ginger slices. This syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This simple syrup adds a concentrated ginger flavor that’s essential for the mojito's unique kick.
2. Muddle the Mint and Lime: In a sturdy glass (a highball or Collins glass works great), add 8-10 fresh mint leaves and 2 lime wedges. Gently muddle them together. You want to release the mint’s aroma and the lime’s juice, but avoid over-muddling, which can make the mint bitter. A gentle press and twist is all you need. I once got carried away muddling and the drink was ruined! Remember to be gentle.
3. Add Passionfruit Puree and Ginger Syrup: Pour in 2 ounces (about ¼ cup) of passionfruit puree. You can use fresh passionfruit pulp (strained to remove the seeds), frozen passionfruit puree (thawed), or store-bought passionfruit juice. Add 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of the prepared ginger syrup. This combination is where the magic happens!.
4. Fill with Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes. I prefer crushed ice, but cubes work just fine. The ice helps to chill the drink and dilute it slightly, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
5. Top with Soda Water: Fill the rest of the glass with soda water or club soda. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as you don’t want to lose the fizz.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, a lime wedge, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a passionfruit slice or a candied ginger piece. Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical escape! If you're making these for a party, prepare the ginger syrup and passionfruit puree ahead of time to streamline the process.
7. Adjust to Taste: Taste the mojito and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking. If it’s too tart, add a little more ginger syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Everyones taste buds are different, so feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your personal preference. Once, I added a splash of pineapple juice for an extra tropical twist – it was surprisingly good!