Life is always more fulfilling when there are wonderful events to celebrate, and I got to be part of a very special life event this past weekend.

My lifelong friend Susie was wed to her significant other Rob after several years of dating.  This was a second wedding for both and felt to me like a richer, more authentically lovely and loving event than her first wedding.  Over two decades separated the two.  Although she and I may commiserate on a regular basis about getting older, in this situation, the cliche about being older and wiser is more true than ever.  The second time around for Susie is by far better than the first.  I don’t need to go into the reasons why.  All you need to know is that her wedding gave me an excuse to create a signature cocktail for the reception.

Susie asked me to create a special drink for the wedding reception.  After trying a few different concoctions, I settled on a raspberry mojito.  Susie tried her very first mojito at my house many years ago, and I still remember the look on her face when she took her first sip.  The combination of rum, mint and lime is quite tasty and I just knew (as one knows these things) that she would love it.  The raspberries added a fruity and festive flair; it was the perfect light cocktail to imbibe at a summer wedding.

Here’s the recipe

2 oz white rum

1 oz simple syrup

5-6 fresh raspberries

Fresh lime juice (about half a lime’s worth)

4-5 mint leaves

Club soda

Muddle the raspberries, a couple of the mint leaves and the lime juice together in a tall glass.  Add lots of ice, then the rum and simple syrup.  Top with a few ounces of club soda, then add the rest of the mint leaves.  Garnish with a wedge of fresh lime.

This recipe is a little more labor intensive than my typical recipe, but a special occasion is worth the extra effort!!  If you have a fun event to attend this summer, even if it’s just a neighborhood party or family gathering, this raspberry mojito will make it all the more special.  Enjoy!!