Drinks and Cocktails
Grilled Key Lime Mojitos
Today, the mojito is the official cocktail of Miami. This recipe adds a twist to the classic recipe: caramelized sugar-crusted key limes over a screaming-hot fire.
Key limes are more aromatic and sour than traditional limes. Grilled key limes add a smoky caramel flavor to the cocktail.
Other Recipes from Episode 209: Florida Tailgate Party
Grilled Key Lime Mojitos
Recipe Notes
- Yield: Makes 4 cocktails, but can be multiplied as desired
- Equipment: Long-handled wooden spoon; four 12- to 14-ounce glasses, such as highball glasses, sugar cane swizzle sticks
Ingredients
- 8 key limes, halved crosswise and seeded, or 4 regular limes, halved crosswise
- ½ cup sugar, plus extra as needed
- 12 sprigs mint, stripped, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- 1 cup white or dark rum
- 3 cups ice cubes
- 3 cups club soda
- Sugar cane swizzle sticks, for garnish
Recipe Steps
1: Heat a grill to medium-high. Brush or scrape the grill grate clean and oil it well.
2: Spread the sugar in a shallow bowl. Dip the cut sides of the lime halves in the sugar and place, sugared side down, on the grill grate.
3: Grill until the sugar is nicely caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the limes to a cutting board and let cool. Slice each lime half in half through the stem end.
4: Place the quartered limes and the mint leaves in a clear glass pitcher. Vigorously muddle the limes and mint with the end of a wooden spoon; the idea is to bruise the mint leaves and extract the juice from the limes.
5: Stir in the rum, followed by the ice cubes. Add the club soda. Stir again, then taste for sweetness. Add a tablespoon of sugar, if desired. Serve chilled. Garnish each cocktail with a mint sprig and a sugar cane swizzle stick.
Recipe Tips
Our thanks to the sponsors of Project Fire Season 2:
Steven Raichlen’s Project Fire is a production of Maryland Public Television, Barbacoa, Inc., and Resolution Pictures. © 2019 Barbacoa, Inc. Photos by Chris Bierlein.
