Food

The Perfect Virgin Cocktail for a Hot Summer Day

Last week was my matric dance (prom), which marked the beginning of the end of a long career in school.

I wanted to be different and stand out from the crowd so I wore a purple velvet blazer over a black turtleneck jersey. Then I threw on some skinny black chinos, purple patterned socks, and black shoes. My date wore a long green velvet dress with ruffle sleeves and slits at the base.

I had an amazing night - much better than I expected since I’m a home body and not much for going out to ‘parties’ with loud music and even louder people.

Anyway, before the dance, my partner and I went to a beautiful bar, which suited our velvet theme. We drank the most delicious virgin Mojito that was comprised of lemon juice, mint leaves, lots of crushed ice, and some simple syrup. That drink inspired me to make the perfect virgin cocktail just in time for the 4th of July for my friends in the states! It is super refreshing and easy to make. The best part is it contains no alcohol and very little sugar. The mix of orange and lemon juice means it’s packed with Vitamin C, which is wonderful to combat illnesses. The mint is a great palette cleanser and helps your body with digestion. There’s nothing better on a hot summer day. If you like alcohol, I’m certain it’ll be just as tasty with a shot of light rum.

Orange, Lemon and Mint Virgin Cocktail

Serves 3 people (the recipe can be doubled or tripled)

Ingredients:

2 oranges
3 lemons
5 sprigs of mint
1 cup chilled water (soda or still)
Castor sugar for garnish
Ice cubes

Method:

Juice the oranges and lemon in a citrus juicer or by hand. Remove the leaves off 2 sprigs of mint and crush them in a mortar and pestle.

Pour the lemon and orange juice into a mixing bowl, along with the crushed mint and water.

Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of castor sugar onto a flat plate. Dip the rims of your drinking glasses into the juice mixture and then into the sugar. This will give you a fancy frosted rim.

Add ice cubes and a sprig of mint into each glass. Pour the juice over and cheers!