The mojito, a traditional Cuban cocktail, is not only one of the most refreshing drinks I’ve ever tried, but also one of the most versatile. The simple ingredients in the traditional version-rum, sugar, lime, soda, and mint-make it an excellent canvass for adding any variety of flavours. The blackberry mojito, however, is my favourite. The flavour in this drink comes not only from the fresh berries, but also from the crème de cassis, a blackberry flavoured liqueur. This drink is so delicious and easy to swallow that before you know it you will be on your fourth glass. Be warned, however, that each glass contains three shots of alcohol.

Ingredients •6 fresh mint leaves•Fresh blackberries•1/2 cup simple syrup•1 ounce fresh lime juice•2 ounces white rum•1 ounce crème de cassis•Club soda

Preparation

1. Muddle mint leaves, blackberries and simple syrup in a glass. For the simple syrup, boil equal parts sugar and water.

2. Add lime, rum, and crème de cassis, and stir.

3. Fill glass with ice. Top it off with club soda, and stir one final time.

4. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a few blackberries on a toothpick.