Montana Huckleberry Mojito

Montana and its unique features hold a very special place in our hearts. The treasure state is known for its natural beauty, with wide open spaces and national parks with mountains, geysers, and wildlife. It also features beautiful blue yogo sapphires, which can only be found in the Big Sky State. One of the tastier treats of the state however is huckleberries. Huckleberries are small berries, similar to blueberries. They are dark purple or red in color and peak around mid-August. As our company focuses on using local ingredients, we figured a huckleberry mojito would be perfect to showcase the treasures of the treasure state.

This drink is a refreshing balance of sweet, tart, and crisp. It hints at peaceful summer days spent among the trees in the mountains, but can be enjoyed year round.

This recipe does use fresh huckleberries, but since they are not always in season or available, a huckleberry syrup can be used instead. You will need a cocktail shaker, we recommend a cobbler type, as it is found in most stores and includes a strainer, but any shaker will work. You will also need a muddler and a jigger or something to measure the rum. Ingredients include:

2-3 oz Wholly Spirits White Rum,

1/4 cup huckleberries, divided

OR

1 oz huckleberry syrup,

10 leaves of fresh mint,

1-2 tablespoons simple syrup,

2 oz of soda water or ginger beer,

2 slices of lime,

Additional mint, lime wedges for garnish,

Ice

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint and half of the huckleberries or huckleberry syrup until the mint is broken up and releasing oils.

Add ice, rum, simple syrup and shake well. Strain this into a glass filled with ice, and add the soda water, and whole huckleberries.

Garnish with a wedge of lime and a sprig of mint and enjoy.