The Always-Be-Closing Black Cherry No-jito
Tart, fresh, and intense--just like the dialogue in Glengary Glen Ross. A mocktail that lets you stay sharp while sipping so you can keep closing in style.
Equipment
- 1 Muddler or spoon
- 1 Cocktail Shaker You can always use a tall jar with a lid :-)
- 1 Cocktail Strainer If you don't have a cocktail strainer, a mesh strainer will work
- 1 Rocks Glass
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Black Cherry Juice This is different than tart cherry juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice live a little - use a fresh lime, not the bottled stuff
- 1/4 cup fresh spearmint leaves or another mint type if you prefer
- 1/2 tsp Agave Nectar or simple syrup Agave Syrup is the same as Nectar. You can sub with simple syrup if you don't have agave.
- 6 oz plain club soda enough to fill the glass to your desired level
- 1 cup ice cubes I like lots of ice. I also like small cubes but you do you.
- 1 Dark Cherry (for garnish) This is optional but always a nice touch. You deserve it.
- 1 sprig fresh spearmint Another fancy touch. It'll make you feel like you're out somewhere.
Instructions
- Put mint leaves (whole without the stems) into the shaker or jar.
- Add the lime juice and agave or simple syrup
- Muddle the leaves with the juice and syrup (be gentle and use a spoon, end of a knife or an actual muddler...don't break up the mint leaves)
- Add black cherry juice
- Add a handful of ice
- Put the lid on the shaker or lid on the jar (tightly!)
- Shake for about 20 seconds to chill (longer if you want). If you're shaking in a glass jar, be very careful. You don't want to break the glass!
- Open the mixer and either put the cocktail strainer on top or use a mesh strainer
- Add ice to your drink glass if you want, and strain the drink into your drinking glass
- Add as much club soda as you want
- Top with your garnish (look out for the cherry pit if you didn't pit the cherry!)
- Enjoy!
Notes
If you want to swap the Agave Nectar/Syrup with Simple Syrup, either buy a bottle (in the mixers aisle of your grocery store or liquor store) or make your own.
You'll only use a little bit at a time so it's easier to make a batch and keep it in the refrigerator. Don't make a whole lot. Estimate what you'll need for about a week to 10 days and just make that amount.
Simple Syrup is pretty simple to make.
Put an amount of white sugar in a bowl or pitcher that can handle hot water.
Add in the same amount of hot water. Then stir to mix. In other words, use a ratio of 1:1 sugar to water. So if you know you'll only consume a little bit during the week then just make 1/4 cup and measure 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup hot water. Put a tight lid on the jar and--if like me, you'll wonder what's in that jar an hour after you made it--put a label on the jar with the date when you make it.
Add in the same amount of hot water. Then stir to mix. In other words, use a ratio of 1:1 sugar to water. So if you know you'll only consume a little bit during the week then just make 1/4 cup and measure 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup hot water. Put a tight lid on the jar and--if like me, you'll wonder what's in that jar an hour after you made it--put a label on the jar with the date when you make it.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!