Pineapple Jalapeño Mojito: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Cocktail

The dog days of summer are just around the corner and I for one, couldn't be more thrilled. Take that back. Summertime in L.A. isn't hot (or sunny) enough for this beach bum. Call me crazy...but I love the heat. Guess I'll always be a Florida girl at heart. With the AC pumping and a pristine pool to wade in, I can handle 90-degree temps better than most. But this Florida girl lives in Southern California now, where it's not exactly warm...even in June.

"June Gloom," they call it. The sunless month bares its ugly fangs every year...and often extends into July. "It's always sunny in SoCal?" That's a lie friends. May Gray, June Gloom, No Sky July...it's like cruel and unusual punishment for the Californians who take the other 9 glorious months of sunshine for granted. But I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you that I still love living here.

I suppose the grass is always greener though, right? Many of you are probably wiping your brow and upper lip every 10 seconds these days...wearing shorts and flip flops...while I'm still donning light jackets and booties. You're also probably praying for an overcast day...just to mask some of that sweltering summer sun.

Well friends, I certainly can't trade my weather for yours but I can definitely bring you a recipe that'll hopefully provide a bit of relief. A spin on a classic cocktail, my Pineapple and Jalapeño Mojito is a little bit sweet...a little bit spicy...and a whole lot of refreshing. Enjoy it by the pool...and once you've had enough...just take it inside and sip on it under that amazing A.C vent. Either way, you're sure to enjoy this summertime cocktail staple.

Pineapple Jalapeño Mojito

Ingredients:

2 ounces silver rum (I use Bacardi)

1/4 cup pineapple, diced

2 wedges lime

6 mint leaves

1 tablespoon simple syrup (recipe here)

3 thinly sliced rounds of jalapeño (with a few seeds if you want it spicy)

Club Soda to top (about 1/2 cup)

Crushed ice

Directions:

To a rocks glass, add pineapple, jalapeño, mint leaves, and one wedge of lime. Lightly muddle. Add crushed ice, rum, and simple syrup and top with club soda. Stir and enjoy!