Serves 6
We often have diners with dietary restrictions, one of which is commonly alcohol. How do we offer them a beverage pairing that is fun and balanced?
The Fauxjito replicates the flavor and carbonation of a mojito, without the alcohol. It’s also a nice way to transition into dessert. We create a refreshing mint water with a touch of baking soda to form a base. Fresh lime juice is very acidic and we combine the two ingredients in front of the guests to set off a fizzy reaction that replicates the soda water in a classic mojito. It’s just two ingredients, perfectly balanced to create a refreshing beverage that everyone can enjoy.
150 grams mint leaves
300 grams water
40 grams sugar
3 grams baking soda
2 grams salt
100 grams fresh lime juice
Syringe (at least 30cc; optional)
Fill a large saucepot with water, and season with a generous pinch of both sugar and salt. Prepare an ice bath. Pick the mint leaves and blanch in the boiling water for 30 seconds before immediately transferring to the ice bath. Once the leaves are cool, squeeze them dry with a paper towel and put them in a blender with the water, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Puree on high for 1 minute. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve. Reserve in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to plate.
Fill a syringe with 30cc of Mint Water—or measure 30ml of it into a bowl or small glass. Pour 15 grams of lime juice in the bottom of a Collins glass. Place the syringe filled with mint into the glass, and then squeeze the mint into the lime to create an effervescent mocktail. Serve immediately.