11 Weeks of Wonder #11- The Fizzy Mojito

Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. ~Hal Borland
Cheers, my friends, to the dawning of a brand new year! 2014 has been good to our family, but I’m excited to see what 2015 has in store. In just a few short days we’ll be ringing in the new year, and what better way to do it then with a festive drink in hand?!

At one time in my life I partied on New Year’s Eve like it was 1999 (literally… I think the last time was, in fact, 1999). These days, Shaun and I usually stay in on New Year’s Eve and enjoy a fun evening at home. We make a delicious dinner, watch a movie, turn on the fireplace, silently curse the fireworks that wake up our kids, and of course- shake up something special to sip on! This Fizzy Mojito is the perfect cocktail to ring in the new year in style.

If you want a little bubbly on New Year’s Eve, but find a full glass of champagne a bit overwhelming, then this is the perfect drink for you. It’s light and bubbly, but packs a real punch of flavor. Lemon and lime give the Fizzy Mojito a nice tang, but splashes of elderflower liqueur and fresh mint balance out the flavors with a bright, clean finish. Prosecco (instead of champagne) lightens everything up with a little bubbly- perfect for New Year’s Eve!

Everything about the Fizzy Mojito is fun and festive. From the sparkly white crystals rimming the glass, to the bubbly Prossecco, and the garnish of fresh lime and mint, this drink is a real crowd pleaser. My recipe (below) makes enough for 2 drinks, but you could easily increase the amounts and make a pitcher to serve to your party guests.

How will you be ringing in 2015? Will you be out celebrating until the sun comes up? Or are you like our family and prefer to spend the evening at home? Whether you’re hosting a party or sharing the evening with your loved ones, be sure to greet the new year in proper fashion- with a drink in hand!

Cheers, and may the new year bring you love and happiness, and may your glass always be full!

The Fizzy Mojito

Ingredients

• 1/2 lime, cut into slices
• 2 sprigs of fresh mint
• 1 TBS simple syrup
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 oz Elderflower liqueur
• 2 oz Bacardi
• Prosecco (roughly 2 oz per drink)
• Sparkling sugar crystals for garnish (sprinkles will work)

Instructions

1. In a martini shaker add the mint, lime slices, and simple syrup. Muddle until well combined and then add ice.
2. Add the elderflower liqueuer and Bacardi, shake.
3. Rim two champagne glasses with sparkling crystals (sprinkles will do).
4. Fill each glass 3/4 way with the drink mixture, then top off with Prosecco.
5. Garnish with additional fresh lime and mint.