Is anyone else as excited as we are about this recipe? Mojitos are so reminiscent of summer, but how perfect to combine the earthy, balsamic flavors of black garlic with the molasses-y sweetness of dark rum. Stick an orange wheel with it and you have an excellent recipe for your winter. Serve it to guests at a Christmas party or enjoy on a quiet night at home with your loved ones.

Bring on any and all holiday festivities! Thanks to Wine Enthusiast for this creative and exciting recipe.

Ingredients

• 1½ ounce dark rum

• 1 orange wheel, sliced into halves

• 3 basil leaves, plus 1 sprig for garnish

• 1 ounce black garlic simple syrup (recipe below)

• Soda water

Directions

Muddle basil and half an orange wheel in the bottom of a rocks glass filled with ice. Add black garlic syrup and rum. Stir, and top with soda water. Garnish with orange and basil.

Black garlic simple syrup

• ½ cup hot water

• ½ cup Demerara sugar

• 3 cloves black garlic

• 1–2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

To make syrup

Bring water to boil. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves. Pour the syrup into a blender and add garlic. Blend until the garlic is finely ground. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. Add the vinegar and taste. It should taste slightly acidic with a sweet, earthy finish.