Inspired by my own experiences ordering cocktails from menus at restaurants and bars, I started a hobby (which quickly became a little business) creating simple, healthy cocktails using ingredients that were both familiar and easily available. Reading through cocktail options on menus, and oftentimes not knowing what 2/3rds of the ingredients actually were, prompted many questions from me. My girlfriends can attest to the amount of times I asked bartenders to “re-work” a drink to make it with less ingredients and ultimately healthier. I began an instagram page in January 2020 (just before the pandemic) called Shawne's Pour Decisions, and each week for the entire year, I posted a new drink that I made from home.

Oftentimes I substituted and omitted, bringing a more simple health conscious recipe forward. Overtime, I’ve held small happy hour tastings (some virtual, allowing friends to follow the recipe to make on their own), as a way to connect when we all needed it most! Though the business has gone back to a hobby, I still occasionally post recipes to share with others. For this July holiday, and really all summer long, I give you: Red, White, and Booze (Mojito)

Ingredients:

• 2 shots Rum (light or lemon flavored)

• 1 shot fresh squeezed lime juice

• 3/4 shot *homemade agave simple syrup

• Strawberries (2-3 cut in fourths)

• Blueberries (to top)

• Mint (fresh-a few sprigs)

• Club soda Ice

To Make:

1. Muddle strawberries at the bottom of a cocktail glass.

2. Add a scoop of ice on top of the muddled strawberries. Set aside.

3. In a cocktail shaker, muddle fresh mint leaves (this releases the favor).

4. Add lime juice, rum, and agave simple syrup.

5. Add ice and shake it up!

6. Strain into cocktail glass over the strawberries/ice.

7. Top with club soda or your preferred sparkling water.

8. Garnish with fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint.

*Heat equal parts water and agave syrup in a saucepan heated on low until agave dissolves or simmers. Let cool and can store for up to a month in your fridge. Use a mason jar to store.