This summer-spun mojito recipe is really a gorgeous cocktail with incredible flavor. There’s a homemade simple syrup, made with spicy gingerand tart cherries which has a bright red color and a delicious fruitiness. Add the usual mint, lime, and rum back into the equation, and this modified mojito is a total winner. Enjoy!

Makes 4 drinks (and about 1 cup Cherry-Ginger Simple Syrup)

INGREDIENTS
Cherry-Ginger Simple Syrup:
1 cup cherries, pitted, chopped
1 (4-inch) piece ginger, sliced
½ cup raw sugar
½ cup water

Mojitos (per drink):
1 lime wedge
3 mint leaves
3 tablespoons Cherry-Ginger Simple Syrup
1 tablespoon reserved cherries (from syrup)
2 ounces rum
Ice, as needed
Splash club soda

METHOD
Make the Cherry-Ginger Simple Syrup: Combine cherries, ginger, sugar, and water in a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep 10 additional minutes. Strain syrup into a glass jar or sealable container. Discard ginger slices or save for making tea; reserve cherries.

Assemble the Mojitos (per drink): Squeeze lime wedge into a glass; add mint leaves, syrup, and cherries. Muddle until mint is crushed and fragrant. Add rum and shake gently. Pour into an ice-filled lowball glass or drinking Mason jar glass. Top off with a splash of club soda to taste. Garnish with fresh mint and a lime wedge, and serve immediately. (Store leftover simple syrup in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.) Enjoy!

All images by Kimberley Stakal