That's why the rum's gone

Josh and I took the plunge this past Saturday.  No, we didn’t get married.  Well, we did but that was three years ago.  No, no, this event was almost as important.  We bought a new grill.  It was definitely time.  Our friend Brian helped us drag it home from the store, down the side of I-94…sorry about that traffic backup near Belleville, but we lost one of the wheels and I had to run after and retrieve it.

Just kidding.  We put it in Brian’s truck.  And drove it back.  And we didn’t even take 94.

Anyway, as a thank you to Brian and a celebration of our newest member of the family (what?  I take my grilling very seriously), we had Brian and a couple other friends over for burgers and things.  Josh decided he wanted more mojito slushies at this particular event and I obliged.  Two things made these mojitos even more awesome than the original version.  The first was the substitution of pomegranate juice for the lime.  My dear friends at Pom Wonderful sent me a free case of pomegranate juice.  I love when this happens.  Last time, I made pomegranate barbecue sauce, molasses and pomegranate-braised beef.  This time, I’m making these mojito slushies and…well, a few other things that will be posted later.

The second fabulous thing about these mojitos came courtesy of our other guests, Chase and Carrie, who have a giant, amazing garden complete with chocolate mint.  If you’ve never seen it, chocolate mint is a hybrid herb and it actually smells and tastes like chocolate and mint.  It’s amazing.  And I know that maybe in your head, chocolate, mint and pomegranate (and rum, don’t forget the rum) seems a little odd, but trust me, it works.  It works.

Pomegranate Mojito Slushies with Chocolate Mint
Serves 4-6 (depending on glass size)

3/4 c. simple syrup
3/4 c. light rum
1 cup Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice
4 limes and their zest
1/4 c. fresh chocolate mint leaves, plus extra mint sprig for garnish
8 c. ice cubes

Put the syrup, rum (don’t forget the rum), pomegranate juice, lime zest, mint leaves and ice cubes in a blender and blend until the ice is finely crushed.  Pour into a pitcher.  Quarter the limes and add them to the pitcher, along with a mint sprig for garnish, if desired.  Pour into cups and party on, Wayne.  Party on, Garth.