Raspberry Basil Mojito

It's official! Every one's favorite lush is back [and in boots]! Remember when I first started blogging, and would pair most of my meals with a potent potable of my own creation, as seen here, here, and here? Well I though it was high time I started putting booze in every other beverage, seeing as how my summer of Spain is long gone and it's only a short matter of time before winter will be here yet again, and I'm still an employee with the state of Maryland. Yeah....all I want for Christmas is a new job and a well stocked bar.

But back to the boozin'. Remember those frozen raspberries that I used to make my souffles and dolci pastelillos with? Well I still had some left in my freezer--actually it was just a few ounces of raspberry juice left that I couldn't bring myself to pour down the sink, and figured I would find a way to use it. I've also always wanted to experiment with a basil based mojito, and much to my amazement my basil plant is still alive. As you would imagine, I always have at least one bottle of liquor in my pantry, and as fate would have it, I still have Raspberry Rum in my freezer. *LIGHT BULB*

I was so psyched when I realized I had the makings of something wonderful, including my brand new mortar and pestle that I got from TJ Maxx for $12. Putting this together took all of two minutes. Pardon my lack of measurements, but this is me you're dealing with, so just guesstimate for your own drinks.

Ingredients
Raspberry juice/puree
White sugar
Basil
Raspberry rum
Cold water

Crush basil and sugar in mortar in pestle into a dry paste. [In hindsight, I would use less sugar, more basil and not entirely pulverize the basil leaves]. Combine paste with rum, raspberry juice and a splash of cold water, and shake vigorously.  [I think next time, I'll use club soda in place of water.] I loved this drink, the sweet savory notes of the basil were like music with the tart raspberry. And it was just so damn pretty! Shades of raspberry are my all time favorite colors, so it's only fitting that I enjoyed looking at this drink as much I enjoyed drinking it.

I currently have some frozen peaches, so I'm thinking of making another peach cobbler and some sort of peach/caramel vodka drink next. Here comes trouble :)