Skinny POM Vodka Mojito

 Photo by Sheila San Juan                            

It has been a Pleasantville type of week here in Orange County, CA.  Everyday I envision the news segment in the Pleasantville movie, "It's another beautiful day in sunny Southern California."  Seeing how it is 75-95 degrees on a daily basis, who couldn't go for a day at the beach with some refreshing cocktails?!

I shop at Trader Joe's on a pretty regular basis, I've noticed that they sell, what I assume are discontinued Stoli Vodkas.  I've purchased a regular size bottle of Stoli Gala Apple and Stoli White Pomegranate for only $5.99 per bottle in the past.  I've seen this a few times and whenever there is a flavor that entices me I say, hey why not at that price.

At first attempt with my new Stoli White Pomegranate I tried to create a Chocolate Covered Pomegranate Martini recipe.  I had purchased some mint at Albertsons to try and infuse into my martini, they only sold one type of mint and it had a root attached so that you could plant it after using the mint you need.  I got home and played around with my martini concoction, however it was not to my standards to be confident enough to share the recipe.  Do not fret though, I really like this idea and will still continue to play around with this idea.  Once I believe it cannot get any better I will share my recipe with you!

Going back to that mint that I purchased, my husband planted it in a pot and put it on our balcony.  The first few weeks the mint was started to get pretty paltry and I thought she might not make it.  However, my husband moved the mint to our staircase, which gets direct sunlight, and that mint just started taking off.

Now that I have some serious mint action going on, mojitos have been on the mind and my friend Sheila inviting me to hang out at her beachside pad and go play at the beach was the perfect excuse for some mojitos.  So I put together a little Mojito Kit to take over, which included - limes, Stoli White Pomegranate, my muddler, Hansen's Club Soda, fresh mint of course, POM juice, and the most ab fab Penguin Martini Shaker.

Typically your traditional mojito would consist of lime and mint muddle with some pure cane simple syrup, using rum and club soda.  My recipe excludes the simple syrup and uses fresh pomegranate juice to add a little natural sweetness.  It is my personal preference to enjoy vodka rather than rum, you can use either one to make your mojito and they will both taste great.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Stoli White Pomegranate (can use a limon vodka, or if you want a traditional style mojito, I suggest Bacardi Limon)
• 3 Slices of Lime
• 5-10 Mint Leaves
• POM Juice
• Club Soda
• Mint Sprig (optional garnish)

Before going any further you will also need a muddler preferably, you could MAcGyver kitchen items if need be, but I cannot guarantee this will work.  Also a martini shaker is needed for best results.

Directions:

1. Take your Lime Slices and Mint Leaves and toss into bottom of shaker, splash in a little bit of POM Juice.  Muddle together until well mixed.  
2. Fill the rest of shaker tin with ice.
3. Add 2 oz. of  Stoli White Pomegranate.
4. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
5. Pour contents into glass of choice, I absolutely love the way they look in a mason jar.
6. Add ice to glass until full and top off with Club Soda to the brim of glass.
7. Add Mint Sprig to edge of glass for a garnish, if you wish.

Sit back and enjoy!

Shhhh...don't tell, we snuck some on the beach (aqua fresca style)