Father’s Day is fast approaching. The tradition of celebrating fathers is believed to have started in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd came up with the idea in 1909 while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in church. Sonora admired her father, William Smart, for raising her and her 5 siblings after her mother died in childbirth. Sonora only realized the strength & selflessness that her father had shown as a single parent after Sonora herself became an adult. But it wasn’t until 1924 under President Calvin Coolidge that the idea of a national Father’s Day received widespread support. It took another 42 years for the 3rd Sunday of June to be officially declared Father’s Day with a presidential proclamation signed by President Lyndon Johnson.

To start the celebration of fathers, here’s a summery drink that the men in my life like. And it isn’t a fruity drink or beer!

Lime & Mint Mojito (adapted from Bobby Flay)

Lime-Mint Simple Syrup:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 2 limes, zested (save the juice for the drink)
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (from 8-10 long sprigs of mint), torn into pieces

Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the lime zest and mint, and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to infuse the syrup with the flavors.

The mint & lime flavors infuse the simple syrup.

Strain out the mint and zest and refrigerate the syrup, covered, until cold. It will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Makes 3 cups of simple syrup.

Strain the syrup into a jar or container.

Lime & Mint Mojito (Makes 1 drink)

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces white rum
• 3 ounces lime juice
• 3 ounces Lime – Mint Simple Syrup
• club soda, if desired
• mint leaves & lime wedges

Directions:

Muddle 3 mint leaves and a lime wedge in the bottom of a highball glass. Add the rum. Squeeze the limes that were used for the zest (plus enough additional juice to make 3 ounces) into the glass then add the simple syrup. Give it a quick stir and fill the glass the rest of the way with ice. For a lighter version, replace 1/2 ounce of the rum and an ounce of the simple syrup with club soda. For a non-alcoholic version, replace all the rum with club soda. Garnish the drink with a lime wedge & a mint spring.

Let’s celebrate!

Cheers to the special men in my life that act with honor, strength, patience & understanding!  ~Linda

Lime & Mint Mojito (adapted from Bobby Flay)

Lime-Mint Simple Syrup:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 2 limes, zested (save the juice for the drink)
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (from 8-10 long sprigs of mint)

Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 1 minute. Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the lime zest and mint, and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to infuse the syrup with the flavors. Strain out the mint and zest and refrigerate the syrup, covered, until cold. This will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Makes 3 cups of simple syrup.

Lime & Mint Mojito (Makes 1 drink)

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces white rum
• 3 ounces lime juice
• 3 ounces Lime – Mint Simple Syrup
• club soda, if desired
• mint leaves & lime wedges

Directions:

Muddle 3 mint leaves and a lime wedge in the bottom of a highball glass. Add the rum. Squeeze the limes that were used for the zest (plus enough additional juice to make 3 ounces) into the glass then add the simple syrup. Give it a quick stir and fill the glass the rest of the way with ice. For a lighter version, replace 1/2 ounce of the rum and an ounce of the simple syrup with club soda. For a non-alcoholic version, replace all the rum with club soda. Garnish the drink with a lime wedge & a mint spring.