Bailout Mojito

Drastic circumstances require bold, immediate action. Politics teaches us that.

The same is true in life and in the kitchen. Whether you're trying to prevent immediate economic collapse or just trying to survive dinner with prospective in-laws, you need the same thing: a stiff drink.

But just like Congress, sometimes you don't have the best ingredients or very much time to make policy, er I mean a mixed drink.

But, you've gotta do SOMETHING. So, now what? You work with what you got. You also add LOTS of booze.

Here is a little ditty I was served tonight. I call it the Bailout Mojito.

1/2 c. water
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. fresh-ish mint leaves
1 orange
2 limes
2 lemons
2 lit. seven-up or other lemon-lime soda drink
LOTS of Bacardi or other white rum to taste (I prefer to add it until it's almost overpowering)

Combine water, sugar and 6 whole mint leaves.

Chop up the remaining mint and add to the mixture.

Zest only one of the lemons, only one of the limes, and the orange. Add to the mixture.

Microwave the mixture 1-2 minutes until sugar is dissoved.

Cut all the fruit in half, including the zested ones. Take half a lemon and half a lime and reserve them for garnish later.

Juice the rest of the fruit (through a strainer if you like) into a big-ol pitcher. Add the sugar mixture and combine.

Slowly fill the pitcher with soda and the rum to taste, mixing all the way. Again, I like a drink that's at least 30-40% alocohol. In this economy, that's the minimum.

Add the set-aside fruit to the pitcher as garnish.

Serve in glasses with sugar on the rim.