Here in Atlanta, GA, spring has definitely sprung, and summer is just around the bend. As temperatures begin to rise, I dream of warm, sunny afternoons on the deck, with friends and family joining us for alfresco dining. Another advantage of living in the South: our warm climate allows us to grow herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano, and mint, year-round. This spring we had to do some pretty severe pruning in our garden to make room for squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, and strawberries. Here’s a glimpse of our mint plant after pruning.

What to do with all the mint stalks we cut back? As usual, my husband, Mike, had the answer: make mojitos! Our first taste of this traditional Cuban adult beverage was way back in 2004, in a Cuban restaurant on North Highland Avenue in Atlanta. Here’s a picture of my little sister, Annie, and I, alongside an unending table of family members celebrating Father’s Day. I’m not sure why I look so unhappy in this shot. Perhaps I was waiting for a refill?

Mojitos were featured in the 2002 film, Die Another Day, when James Bond offers the character, Jinx, aka Halle Berry, a mojito, right after her famous slow motion rise out of the ocean. That’s a scene that’ll live on in motion picture history ad infinitum.

Why do mojitos hit the spot? They’re a refreshing, light blend of fresh lime juice, mint, and white rum, topped off with a little splash of club soda. Perfect, except for the ingredient used to sweeten up the lime juice – sugar. Mojito recipes range between 2 teaspoons to 2 tablespoons of sugar, adding an additional 8 to 24 net carbs per drink. Replacing sugar with Truvia (or your favorite natural sugar substitute) is a no-brainer for those of us on keto or low-carb diets. Tastes the same without all the added carbs. 

Start with fresh lime juice. Bottled juice doesn’t compare to the bright flavors of freshly squeezed. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves in the lime juice, then pour in the white rum. Add ice, and give it a good shake for 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a tall, ice-filled glass and top with a splash of club soda to add a little sparkle to the cocktail. Garnish with a mint spring and lime wedge. Cheers!