Summer Cooler: The Mojito

Okay, been away for a minute, the heat here in Atlanta — as it has been in many parts of the country — is brutal. So, I've been laying low. And when I thought about the next drink recipe, the idea of cognac in the summer made me almost to hot to live. But there is a way to drink cognac, rather than straight up or heated and enjoy it in even these temps, thanks to the Mojito. Think about sipping on this one at an evening event after the sun goes down. I'll offer a succession of Mojitos that ought to accomplish our dual objective —  relaxation and relief. Here's the first.

The beauty of cognac cocktails is that they are a way to indulge your upscale lifestyle with out paying high end prices. Mixologist don't recommend using top shelf or high end brands as they are not as doable in terms of blending with other ingredients. Thankfully, urban sophisticates who have always appreciated the fine taste of cognac can enjoy it in greater variations and more affordably. 

French Mojito
3 ounces cognac
12 fresh mint leaves
3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
3/4 ounce sugar syrup
3/4 ounce Chambord raspberry liquor
raspberries (to garnish)
mint sprig (to garnish)

1. Muddle mint with vodka in base of shaker; add lime juice and sugar; shake with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass.
2.Top with soda and stir.
3.Serve in a collins glass, garnished with raspberry and mint sprigs.