March 24 – Vojito & Kickin' Rosemary Lime Cashews

The first mojito I ever had was in a little restaurant in Montmartre called La Famille. This was way back in the early ‘90’s and the mojito quickly became one of my favorite cocktails. The drink was refreshing and minty but not too sweet, which for me is the indicator of a good mojito. These days I prefer to use vodka instead of rum, hence the name change. Unfortunately, I think La Famille (on Rue des Trois Frères) has closed, but the drink below might just transport you there if you close your eyes.

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Vojito

Makes 1 drink

  • 1 1⁄2 oz vodka

  • 2⁄3 oz simple syrup

  • Small bunch of mint leaves

  • 1 lime, cut into quarters

  • Sparkling water

Muddle mint, lime, and syrup in a glass. If you don’t have a muddler (yes, that’s a thing) use the handle end of a wooden spoon. Fill glass with ice, add vodka, and stir. Top with sparkling water and garnish with mint leaves.

Kickin’ Rosemary Lime Cashews

Cashews are great all by themselves, but when you add a little lime and heat, they’re even better.

Makes about 1 cup

  • 1 lb unsalted cashews

  • 2 T chopped rosemary

  • 3⁄4 t cayenne

  • Zest of half a lime

  • Juice of one lime

  • 1⁄4 t black pepper

  • 1 T brown sugar

  • 2 t kosher salt

  • 1 T melted butter

Preheat oven to 375. Place cashews on a sheet pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until they are warm but not brown. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Remove cashews from the oven and toss with the flavor mixture until coated. Serve warm.

Appetizers, DrinksCharlotte PlaVodka, Mojito, Lime, Cashews, Rosemary