Basil Moonlight Mojitos... All for 50 Cal?!

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Floating in an almost glowing glass of delicious mojito, fresh mint and basil leaves combine to leave a light, refreshing, yet somewhat complicated flavor hanging on your palate. This drink will quench your thirst and cool you down, but not without inspiring you by way of fresh, minty goodness with a twist of basil. 

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I love a good late afternoon cocktail... When I ran into Crystal Light's alcohol-free Mojito mix in Jewel last week, I was inspired. My mother's favorite cocktail at my ever-favorite Memphis martini bar is called the Butterfly, a brilliantly crafted love child of a mojito and a basil martini. It is refreshing, light, and has only the slightest hint of alcohol. The rest just tastes like... well, perhaps a summer breeze.

Picture me sitting on my parents' patio in the early evening. Dusk is settling down over the horse farm across the way and there we sit, sipping on mint and basil mojitos. What better way to spend your aftern-evening (or to spend 50 calories), I ask you?

Basil Mint Mojito

Prep Time: <5 Minutes

Calories: 50-70 (Depends on the alcohol you use. There are 5 calories per glass in the mojito mix and a very negligible amount in the basil and mint leaves, so that leaves you with only as many calories as are in the alcohol you add! A typical shot of rum is about 64 calories, according to Livestrong, but each drink has only 1oz, as compared to a typical 1.5oz shot)

Servings: Recipe makes 8-10

Ingredients: 

• 1 packet Mojito Mix, Crystal Light (See notes below the recipe for an alternate if you can't find the Mojito Mix at your local grocery store)
• 7 cups cold water
• 1 cup White Rum (or Vodka if you're anti-Rum)
• 10-12 leaves Mint
• 8 leaves Basil
• Ice

Directions:

1. Combine Mojito mix, cold water, and alcohol in a large pitcher and mix well.
2. Chop 1/2 of the Mint and Basil leaves into small pieces, then add to the pitcher.
3. Muddle (smash) 1/2 leaf each of mint and basil in each glass, then fill glasses with ice and pour mojito over the ice.
4. Garnish with extra mint and basil leaves if desired.
5. Enjoy!

Notes:

• Can't find the Mojito Mix (or don't have time)? Alter Step 1 the following way: First, in a small cup, muddle 8 mint leaves with the juice from 1 full lime and add this to an empty pitcher. Add 4 tablespoons of sugar or Stevia sugar substitute (for a lighter version). Instead of 7 cups of cold water, add 3 cups of water and 4 cups of sparkling/seltzer water (or soda water if you have no sparkling water around, though sparkling/seltzer water will be lowest in calories).
• If you're looking for a mint-garnished dessert to go with this fabulous cocktail, try this Fresh Lime Chiffon cake with Mint Sprigs on top from Smak!