Why do we blog? I can’t answer for everyone, but I know I’m here–at least in part–to indulge in fantasy. Though I try to (mostly) write about real life, I read your blogs for vicarious reasons. Thanks to your posts, I’ve traveled to places I may never see, read books I’ve yet to hear of, grown gardens I can’t manage to grow myself, tried new recipes I don’t seem to make time for, and heard music I never imagined I’d like. Your blogs rock and I appreciate being able to expand my horizons without having to leave my laptop.
Today, let’s visit two of those horizons.
Horizon/Fantasy #1) Gardening. Those of you posting your crops have me green with envy. Even at my best, I’m a less than stellar gardener. Planting, watering, weeding… Most years it seems too much bother (and mosquito-infested) to deal with, especially when there are so many amazing farmers’ markets locally.
That said, my husband is the farmer type and while he’s a bit citi-fied by now (you’re welcome, darling), he still plants a few tomatoes and green beans and keeps the berry bushes and grape vines going. For all of this, I’m grateful, but I also like a few herbs to call my own. But this year? I only managed one mint plant.
not so lush, but it keeps me in mojitos
Why was mint so important? For the answer, let’s visit…
Horizon/Fantasy #2) Cocktails. Call me a dreamer, but I imagine my husband and I enjoying a classy adult beverage come evening. But reality says we’re always driving one of the kids somewhere and it’s a rare evening when we have a few moments to kick back and relax.
So I indulge this fantasy by reading blogs and books.
love my books
And buying cocktail glasses at thrift stores.
they keep me dreaming
It’s fun to have a book (or eight) to peruse and pretty glasses for serving when the mood for a sipper strikes. And that’s why when the mojito urge hit, I gathered a handful of mint sprigs and my copy of Storied Sips and went to town.
mojito in the making
And it was so amazing and refreshing that I made one again the next night. The next night I muddled a few blueberries with the mint and ended up with a pink drink.
Summer seems made for mojitos and it’s become my cocktail of choice when time allows. I’ve yet to follow a recipe exactly, but generally muddle a handful of mint and a few splashes of rum in the bottom of a glass, then add the juice of a lime and about a tablespoon of agave syrup. Shaken with ice, the drink is strained into a (pretty) glass and topped with seltzer. I tend to make mine plenty lime-y, often ending up with pulp in the glass, but of course amounts are adjustable. It’s summertime (at least in the Northern hemisphere) and the living is easy.
Here’s to fabulous gardens–real or imagined–and a lovely cocktail at the end of the day.
What a lovely post, thanks so much for thinking of me 🙂 I also love blogging, not just for my blog itself, but for all the things I learn and the people I meet. I would love to have a glass of mojito with you xxx
your cake made an impression, that’s for sure. One of these days I WILL make it! Agreed on an earlier comment about taking July off from the alphabet. Works here.
We’ll enjoy our virtual mojitos in the meanwhile 🙂
How sweet of you!
I might need to take August off as well as I wont be home. The 2nd half of August I’ll be at my parents, but even though I have a food blog, my mum still cannot stand it if I take over her kitchen (as if I were still 5 years old). So that might be tough…
Yes to enjoying our mojitos! xx
lol, no cooking at your mum’s huh? Am sure Shanna would like the time off, too. I’m here whenever it’s time to start up again. Still no clue on the X.
Ok, looks like we have time to think of X then!
My mum gets all nervous when I announce I’ll be cooking something in her kitchen. Last time I was there, at the last minute she made a lame excuse so that I wouldn’t cook anything at all. lol! It’s fine though, as her cooking is excellent and I get to eat all the Indonesian dishes that I like and don’t know how to make myself…
I would gladly share my garden goodies if I could! If it makes you feel better, yes, I do sometimes get eaten alive by Mosquitos out there! I spray the bug spray on liberally and still they find me! And yes, the weeding stinks. I have a big section overrun with weeds now. I’ll get to it when I find the time! Yes to the mojito!! Like you I dream of my husband and I sitting on the porch with an adult beverage. Right now it is too hot and the weekdays too busy. Luckily we do manage it quite often in the spring to early summer and fall. Winter with an Irish coffee or coffee with Bailey’s is also pleasant! Yes to the blueberries mojito, I actually have a blueberry cocktail to post myself. Just need to photograph one, guess that means I just might have to drink one tonight!
You are one dedicated Mama to pull off the gardening haul that you do despite the bugs, etc. I’m just not that into it! Part of it is having to go down deck steps and all the way to the other side of our lawn (that said, it’s not like we live on a big lot) to get to the garden. So many other things that need to get done! And I love farmers’ markets. though it would be nice to pluck it from the garden myself.
Looking forward to your blueberry mojito photo. I’ll be making another myself, so will toast to you and your garden 🙂
I am looking forward to my blueberry cocktail already, a blueberry smash. I just have to cross the driveway to get to my garden! I like our Farmer’s market but it is just once a week. We have others, but they are small and the time just doesn’t work for me. Who wants to go to the market in the late afternoon in the sweltering heat of the summer? Certainly not me!!
summer seems made for mojitos. yes.
and Beth, the blue cocktail is for you! I just need to give it a French name. Any suggestions?
‘la bamba bleu’ (mix of french and cuban spanish)
yes to Beth’s la Bamba Bleu! IOff to make one right now 😉
merci et mucho gracias senora liz )
So not only are you a master chef, you are a world-class mixologist! Please invite me for cocktails in your garden and we can get drunk and talk about cookies and I’ll just get the last plane back to England… 😉
seriously Becky (and darn it–bahahahahaha), where would you get the impression that I am a “master chef.” Um, no. My biggest skill is not being afraid to fail in the kitchen. That’s all it takes to cook–really. And the mixology thing is evolving. Would love to have you over in the name of research. Getting drunk (as long as I can avoid the hangover the next day) and talking about cookies sounds lovely. If I remember one of the first posts I read of yours (about eating after drinking) correctly, we would leave the garden (which in my case just means sitting by my mint plant) and head to the kitchen to rummage for those cookies and probably eat whatever else we find as well. Let me know when to expect you 😀 And if you miss the flight home, my couch is your couch. Better yet, I can kick one of my girls out of her bed. And we’d put the cat in the garage just. for. you. 😀
Oh wow, well if that isn’t the most hospitable offer I’ve had in ages, I don’t know what is! Sitting by your mint plant drinking cocktails, then foraging for food AND not having to worry about a cat? You are my kind of host 🙂
And you are definitely a master chef – don’t sell yourself short 😉
Love a good mojito! Yum 🙂
thank you, Happy! Excited to head over and check out your site 🙂
When are you inviting us all over to share???
now is good 🙂
I think your blog delights much in the same way you find pleasure from others. Your explorations have given me so many fantastic ideas and recipes – and more than that – always with a smile and an enthusiasm that is unparalleled. Thank you for all of it!
Thanks, Mimi. Guess my everyday might be someone else’s expanded horizon and vice versa. As long as we’re all clinking our mojito glasses, I’m good 😀
Refreshing drink
Thank you 🙂
I love this post, and you know exactly why! A new cocktail recipe to try of course. You know I have to add this one to the list. I’ve even got the mint growing, at no result of anything this anything but green thumb has done. It is clearly volunteering for it’s very own upcoming mojito moment!
hey, bonnie–thanks 🙂 I think mojitos are why mint exists. Can think of no better explanation. Unless we’re talking mint juleps, haha. Think of me next time you make a mojito. And on that subject, we need to get studying so we can become certified and professional mixologists. Will report in on that soon I hope.
I’ll be over shortly. I’ll bring the apps, you make the cocktails!
sounds like an excellent plan. Like how you think. My oldest is Red Cross babysitter certified, so can even bring your little cutie pie 🙂
Lovely post, Liz!
Thanks, Kloe. Will you be gardening in your new home?
I have some Cuban blood in me, so I have no choice but to enjoy mojitos. 🙂
I can see how you are in a position in which you have absolutely no say. You must make mojitos.
Si. I have the lime and mint. Just not the rum. 😦
note that my bottle is on the large end. (it was less spendy per oz than the smaller bottle–am thrifty that way) Happy to share!
Hello Liz! Great collection of links, which will, ahem, distract me for the next while. Also thank you for the shout-out, I really appreciate it. Looking at your photos (pink mojito!) I feel like another cocktail party or something is in order…
Thanks, Saucy. A resounding YES to the encore cocktail party. I’d suggest a summer soiree, but is it winter where you are? We’ll figure something out. Maybe you could invite me over to look at pictures from your recent trip? (btw, you’re a better woman than I for being so mature about losing your phone. I would have had a fit, I’m afraid 😦 ) I can bring food and drink and you could offer a nibble or so as well? (I wouldn’t say no if you offered me a bit of the gluttony cake seeing as how I didn’t get a taste last time 😉 )
Enjoy the links. And thank you for the inspiration you repeatedly put out there.
Great post Liz, I so enjoy your blog and am glad you do what you do. I am particularly fond of mojitos thats why I have mint in my garden although today I had to sort through weeds which have taken over to find my mint.
Thanks, Suzanne. Right back at you–it’s been fun to share ideas, recipes, etc. I wouldn’t have my Mary’s boxes if it weren’t for you 🙂
lol, you had to hunt down your mint. I’m hoping my grows more quickly as the mojito-a-day thing is depleting it faster than it grows right now. Good luck on your end!
Well you know what they say, a cocktail a day will keep the blues away! (I just made that up, lol, but it sounds good to me!). I can’t drink much (lightweight), but I do love whipping up cocktails now and again, especially during summer. Mojitos will now be on my brain until I can make it! Thank you for thinking of me in your post, Liz. I haven’t really answered the question why I blog, but your reasons are definitely at the top of my list. Blogging and participating in this online community has opened my eyes to so many possibilities, and not just about food. Thanks for the lovely sentiments in this post, and also, I only managed one basil plant this year!
Am with you, Ngan, in not being able to drink much. Not feeling well the next day isn’t an option when you’re running around with your kids (or job). So for sure I talk/write/read/think about drinking more than I do.
You can do a lot with basil–my mom gave me a bunch (another reason why I don’t have to grow herbs–she keeps me in supply) and I’m hoping to muddle a few in some sort of summery drink. Any ideas?
Thanks for coming over and being a part of this community!
It took me a long time to get into gardening and unless things can pretty much fend for themselves, they are way too much work for me. I will water them and enjoy the harvest and that’s about it…fertilizing, pruning, weeding, it’s too much! That being said this year I’m growing tomatoes and next year I’m going to try herbs too — basil and mint at least. Then I can mojito it up as often as I like! Also I like the blueberry twist you have going on — it’s not summer unless there are berries in your drink! =)
fertilizing and pruning seem too much like actual farmer duties. Sounds like we share gardening sentiments, J.Good luck with your plans! Herbs aren’t that hard to grow (at least when starting with a plant instead of seed)–and if you put them in small pots, there’s not much to weed. Water and sun are the important things. (says the person who has one spindly mint plant, haha)
“It’s not summer unless there are berries in your drink” needs to be on a bumper sticker or t-shirt. Brilliant 😀
We are not gardeners either (except flowers!) but we, too, have a mint plant, to feed my husband’s obsession with mint juleps. I’ll push for mojito experimentation next!
You’re reading my mind, Kerry! Was singing the praises of mojitos all through the comments until I realized that mint is also important in mint juleps. And being a bourbon girl, I’m soon off on my next julep adventure. I found a twist in a WP blog a year or so ago and it’s become my favorite way to make it. Lemon juice gives it a better flavor balance. Would your husband like?
http://chagrinnamontoast.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/confederate-confections-a-mint-julep-recipe/
Love all of those Cocktail Books :)!!! Delicious Liz!!
Thanks, Amy. I’d bet you have a collection of cookbooks as well! Find a lot of books I just have to have from reading blogs. lol, expensive hobby this blogging thing 😉
Love this post. Because of your suggested, I purchased, “Hollywood Cocktails” and couldn’t put it down until I finished reading it–recipes and all!
Thanks, Tracy. Was happy you ordered the book, too. Even without making any of the drinks, it’s a fun read. Though it’s nice to have the recipes for the classics all in one place 🙂
I have to learn how to mix and make cocktails, your post and these recipe books are the way to go 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks, CCU 🙂 I bet you have a good collection of baking books! Would be fun to borrow from each others libraries.
I love mojitos! I spent a year living in Havana, so have had them made with Cuban rum, which is particularly delicious (even in it’s own, and I am not the type of gal that likes that type of thing). I love the idea of using agave instead of sugar – I am going to steal that idea from you next time I make one. Which will probably be soon, as I am craving one after looking at the pink one you posted here. Yum!!
tell me more about this Cuban rum 🙂 I have a bottle of cachaca (Brazilian rum?), but don’t know much about rum in general. Agave is my go-to sub for simple syrup as 1) it’s even simpler than simple syrup and 2) it has a more interesting flavor. Hope your get your mojito fix soon!
This is the rum I am talking about: http://havana-club.com. I believe it is only available in Cuba, so every time I’m down there I bring a bottle or two in my luggage. The 7 year is my favourite. It’s almost a sin to use it in a mixed drink, but it makes such fabulous mojitos!
Hello Liz, this looks so refreshing. … seems apt for the weather Liz. …
Thanks, Chitra. Hopped over to your place (even on facebook 🙂 ) and am impressed. You do good things in the kitchen!
I was told there would be mojitos and I am not disappointed. That looks real good. Tee Gee Ey Ef, eh?
Ahoy, matey 🙂 Thanks for coming by for the mojitos. Um, yes, tee gee ey ef, eh. Or if I was amb you would say tee gee ey ef, aye. Carry on, then!
I love how you’re living vicariously through all these blogs! How fun!
thanks for the kind words 🙂 I’ve seen a thing or two at your place, too 😉
I just thought, hmmm, wonder what Liz is up to…so, I’m showing up a little late for this post but glad I did. You have just inspired me to make mojito’s. I haven’t had one in a few years and now that I’ve read you post I can’t get the idea of refreshing lime minty flavor out of my mind. I love buying cocktail glasses at the thrift store too. Uh, well, I like buying anything at the thrift store!!
Yes to the thrift store 🙂 Love love love a good thrift store. Hope you got your mojito!
I never tried a mojito– looks so good! And I love the pretty cocktail glasses. 🙂
I’d think you’d need a mojito after making all of those cake masterpieces! Thanks for stopping by, Ger 🙂
Oh, great idea! Maybe I should make one after the next party! 😉
I love those cocktail glasses. Having a fun glass makes a drink just that much better. Mojitos really are great for summer- so refreshing!
Agreed on the cocktail glasses, Mary. Yes to making a good drink better. Thanks, May!
What a wonderful collection of cocktail glasses! Makes me want to add more to my small collection of martini glasses and (mostly) wine glasses. The blueberry mojito looks delicious! Yum! 🙂
Thanks, Ada. Can never have too many cocktail glasses. Happy you’re here 😀
The mojito sounds lovely! I cannot wait until I have my own little place where I can grow herbs- I am not much of a gardener either but I want to grow herbs for sure! I think I can keep them alive 🙂
Herbs are easy enough to keep alive. I’m just not a good caretaker of plants. Already enough on my plate with kids, haha. Mint is especially easy though as it just grows and grows and grows. If you plant it in a garden, it will completely take over so it’s best potted.
Pingback: The Blog of Funny Names Turns 500! | The Blog of Funny Names
A mojito and summer…perfect. 🙂 Yes…blogging is rewarding for all the inspiration we get from all of our blogging friends.
Thanks, Karen 🙂 Love meeting new folks here. Always new things to learn.
Nice to see what goes into a mojito. Fresh mint just picked from the source sounds lovely. I should try to make it at home instead of going to the bar, though I have to save the cocktails for the weekends now. I start grad school in chemistry/biochemistry on Monday and also have to teach. I should have some berry mojitos this weekend before things get hectic, hehe.
Thank you for the visits, Sam 🙂 My mint is all about the cocktail possibilities! It’s simple enough to make cocktails at home, but there’s something fun about finding them in restaurants, too.
Good luck with the grad school! Very exciting. Wishing you all sorts of (good) luck.
Pingback: sherry stirred, not shaken | food for fun