Strawberry Basil Mojito for #SecretRecipeClub

I was pretty stoked this month when I learned my assignment for SRC was the lovely Nichole of Cookaholic Wife.  You see, while I may be new to Group B of this club, I am very familiar with Nichole's blog, as we have been in many events together.  Most recently we completed #CookoutWeek and Nichole had tons of great recipes that she put out there for us but the recipe I chose was from our Fresh Tasty Valentine event way back in February.

I printed out this recipe back then with the thought of making it this summer when fresh basil was abundant and strawberries were in season.  How advantageous is it that I was assigned Nichole's blog in July?!!  Providence...this was definitely a match made in Heaven...and this drink is Heavenly!!

Speaking of a match made in heaven, take a look at the photo gracing Nichole's page telling you about herself and her blog. But first make yourself this drink...then go read about Nichole as you sip this refreshing drink.  Better make a double batch because I have a feeling that once you get to the Cookaholic Wife you are going to be there for a while perusing 7 years worth of wonderful recipes and memories.

Strawberry Basil Mojito
slightly adapted from Cookaholic Wife

1 c. water
1 c. sugar
1/3 c. fresh basil leaves + 3 additional leaves
1 c. fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 c. white rum
juice from 1/2 lime
club soda
strawberries, basil and lime for garnish

Prepare a basil simple syrup by placing the water and sugar in a small saucepan and cooking over med high heat, stirring until sugar melts.  Reduce the heat to low, add the basil leaves and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Place the strawberries, 3 basil leaves and lime juice in a cocktail shaker and muddle with a muddler or wooden spoon.  Strain the solids from the simple syrup and add to the cocktail shaker with the rum.  Shake until well combined.

Fill 4 tall glasses with ice, divide the rum mixture between the glasses and top with club soda.  Stir to combine and garnish with lime slices, basil leaves and a strawberry if desired.  Print Recipe

Secret Recipe Club is a group of Food Bloggers divided into 3 subsets.  Each month we are assigned a blogger within our subset to learn more about.  We read through their blogs, follow them on facebook and, best of all, peruse all their recipes until we find one that we can't resist.  We make said recipe and then come together on our assigned day (for my subset it is the second Monday of each month) and reveal whose blog we were assigned and what we were inspired to make.

Here is what the other Group B Members are sharing today

An InLinkz Link-up