Winter Mojito

Holiday season is here, and it is time to start banging out some cocktails, cookies, latkes and other goodies.  I'll kick off the season with a cocktail - a copy of a cocktail a friend recently had at a local bar here in Boston.  It is deadly simple but perfectly seasonal - the winter mojito.  Instead of white rum, dark rum is used (spiced rum would be even better).   Muddled with the mint and sugar are some cranberries, and I made a cranberry simple syrup as well.  This absolutely makes the mojito feel right for the holidays (hello, red and green and can easily be multiplied for a crowd.

Winter Mojito (inspired by The Beehive)

2 ounces cranberry simple syrup (directions below) (1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup fresh cranberries)
2 tablespoons cranberries
1 quarter cup mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 ounces dark rum
soda water

Directions:

1. To make simple syrup: Combine the 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup cranberries in a small saucepan.  Heat over low until sugar dissolves, continue to cook on low until the cranberries burst.  Strain into a jar or glass bottle.
2. For cocktail: Muddle the cranberries, mint and sugar and a short glass and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Add ice cubes to the glass, pour in the rum, simple syrup and top off with soda water.  
4. Stir and sip!  Ahhh.