Snap Pea Faux-Jito

                                                     

Snap Pea Faux-jito

Snap peas add a delicate, grassy herbaceousness that complements the bright mint and tangy lime of a traditional Mojito. A lighter pour of rum—1 oz (a standard drink contains 1 1/2 oz)—maintains a distinct presence in the drink while allowing those seasonal notes to shine. If garnishing with a snap pea, open along the inner seam to reveal the peas and tuck it in alongside the mint.  Makes 1 drink
Ingredients:
6 large mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
5 snap peas, sliced, plus another for garnish (optional)
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz Snap Pea Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
1 oz white rum, such as Bacardí Superior White Rum (LCBO 117)
2 oz lime-flavoured sparkling water
Directions:
Add mint leaves and snap peas to a cocktail shaker and muddle for about 15 to 20 seconds. Fill the shaker one third full with ice and add lime juice, syrup and rum. Shake for 15 to 20 seconds to chill.

Strain through a fine metal cocktail strainer or sieve into a chilled rocks glass or coupe half-filled with ice. Top with lime sparkling water and gently stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a snap pea.
Makes 1 drink

Snap Pea Simple Syrup
Add 1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar, 

1/2 cup (125 mL) water and 

1/2 cup (125 mL) sliced snap peas to a small pot. 

Directions

Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring regularly until sugar is dissolved. 

Reduce heat to medium and gently boil for 2 more minutes. 

Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp (2 mL) lime zest. 

Set aside to steep for 30 minutes, then strain into a clean jar. 

Cover with a lid and refrigerate until well-chilled, approximately 3 hours.   Syrup will keep up to 1 week in the fridge.