The classic ingredients for a mojito are white rum, sugar, lime juice, mint, and soda water. The Fig Mojito is a delightful variation of the original, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Fresh figs and mint are muddled together, and then vanilla bean simple syrup is used in place of sugar.
Slice a vanilla bean in half so that the seeds are exposed.
Add the water, sugar, and vanilla bean to a medium-sized saucepan over low heat.
Cook gently over low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the vanilla bean has infused the syrup with flavor.
Let it cool completely to room temperature, then strain into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid. If you don't like the look of the vanilla bean specs, you can strain through a cheesecloth.
Store in the fridge for up to a month.
To Make the Fig Mojito:
In a strong cocktail mixing glass, combine the fresh figs and mint.
Use a muddler to gently crush the figs and mint to release the oils and juice.
Then add the vanilla rum, simple vanilla syrup, and lime juice. Stir everything together.
Fill a glass with ice cubes and additional fig slices if desired. Strain the mojito into the glass and top with club soda.
