Grilled Plum Vodka Mojito!!

Grilled Plum Vodka Mojito! Sweet mercy this drink is incredible!

As far as I’m concerned, summertime reigns supreme. Fall is gorgeous, with it’s crimson painted horizon and pumpkin laden menu. Winter, in my part of the world anyway, is full of outdoor skiing, snowboarding, and all snow-loving things. Spring offers new hope, and in the produce world, a dream of local deliciousness. But summer, my goodness summer! It’s that glorious time of the year that folks are outdoor eating on the daily, grilling up a storm, and taking in every sun-soaked moment.

Much of this summer for me was spent on airplanes, travelling to far flung destinations like Kenya, Somalia, Nashville, and NYC. So the very moment I arrived home, I fired up my trusty charcoal grill and invited my friends and family over for drinks and a sweet afternoon of story telling, catching up, and just enjoying doing absolutely nothing. Sometimes the smallest, simplest joys in life require slowing down to really enjoy. And there’s no better way to slow down and take in every moment, like an afternoon spent grilling, deck sitting, and enjoying a few cold glasses of deliciousness together.

I very distinctly remember the first time I tried a Mojito. I was invited to a neighbour’s house for the first time, they having just moved to town, and my now close friend Thomas offered to make us a couple drinks. I remember watching wide-eyed and mystified while he mudded the lime, mint, and simple syrup together. And the flavour!! Outstanding.

Flash forward a few years, and I’ve fallen in love. If you’ve never tried a mojito with vodka, it’s the business. Absolutely incredible. Add grilled plums to the equation, and top it with an afternoon in the sun, and you’ve got an award-winning afternoon of awesome. Trying Hangar 1 Vodka for the first time was a delight, and I’m an immediate convert. It’s smooth as silk, and the perfect cocktail spirit. Get your hands on a bottle, then grill, muddle, pour, mix, and drink – you’ll be an instant convert, guaranteed.

Light that grill and drink up, friends. It’s the summer time – let’s make it epic!

Grilled Plum Vodka Mojito

Makes 1 drink, with plenty of plums left for more!

Grilled Plums

3 large, ripe plums

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Mojito

2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice

1-ounce simple syrup

12 fresh mint leaves, plus more to garnish

1 cup ice

1/4 cup Hangar 1 Straight Vodka

3 tablespoons club soda

1 lime, cut into wedges

Heat a grill or griddle pan over medium heat. When hot, add the sliced plums to the grill and cook for 1 ½ to 2 minutes, until deep grill marks form. Flip the plums, and baste the tops of each wedge with maple syrup. Cook another 1 ½ minutes, until both sides of each wedge are nicely charred, then set aside.

Muddle the mint leaves, simple syrup, and lime juice in the bottom of a 10-ounce high ball glass. Add the ice to the glass, then pour in the Hangar 1 Straight Vodka and club soda. Add 2 or 3 grilled plums, a lime wedge, and give the lot a good stir. Garnish with fresh mint and serve immediately.