Moroccan Mojito & CASABLANCA

A drama set in Morocco begs for a classic cocktail with a spicy spin. Casablanca is a timeless favorite, so when pairing this movie with a cocktail, what better than to match it with a timeless drink. Behold, the Humphrey Bogart of cocktails, the Moroccan Mojito.

Casablanca is a romantic drama, taking place during the Second World War. The film focuses on an American expatriate, Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), who runs a nightclub in Casablanca. When his old flame, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), comes into town with her husband, Blaine has to choose between her and helping her and her husband escape from Casablanca.

While this movie is comical, it also pulls on your heartstrings. Casablanca also bestowed upon us movie lines that will stand the test of time, such as "Here's looking at you, kid" and "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine."

 This Moroccan Mojito is a refreshing and flavorful cocktail that will give you all the feels off-screen while Casablanca gives you all the feels on-screen.

Casablanca Moroccan Mojito

Serves: 1 | Mixing time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp lavender Earl Grey tea

• 1 star anise pod, smashed

• 5 crushed cardamom pods

• 1 cup boiling water

• 5 to 6 leaves of mint (keep 1 mint stem for garnish)

• 1 ounce grilled lemon juice

• 1 ounce grilled lime juice

• 4 ounces white rum

• 2 tbsp vanilla simple syrup

• Soda water

• Ice

Method

1. Steep tea, star anise, and cardamom in hot water for 4 minutes. Let cool (use ice if needed, but don’t dilute).

2. Grill lemons and limes for 5 minutes, until browned but not burned. Let them cool.

3. Squeeze the lemons and limes through sieve into a mixing glass.

4. Add mint leaves to the mixing glass

5. Add vanilla simple syrup.

6. Muddle the mint mixture for 20-30 seconds to bring out the mint oils.

7. Add lavender tea.

8. Add rum.

9. Add ice and stir for 30 seconds.

10. Pour over ice through a cocktail sieve.

11. Top with soda water and garnish with mint.