Blood Orange Ginger Cranberry Mojito

I've been wanting to make this forever and finally got around to it.  It was everything I dreamed it could be. Original was for 4 cocktails, I was only making two at a time so I tried to figure out what a reasonable pairing down would be.  If you plan to make more, can check out original link for their proportions.

Makes 1 cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 mint leaves
• 2 lime slices
• 2 ounces white rum
• Blood orange soda
• 2 TBSP cranberry juice 
• 2 TBSP ginger simple syrup, of which the following ingredients were used:
• 1 2 inch knob of ginger cut into slices
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Garnish: lime wedge, brown sugar, and extra mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Make simple syrup ahead of time by combining sugar, water, and ginger in a sauce pan. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, about 2 min. Then set aside to chill.  Strain out solids. 
2. Rim glasses with lime wedge and then dip in brown sugar.
3. Place 5-6 mint leaves in glass with both lime wedges and 2 TBSP of the ginger simple syrup. Muddle to release flavors.
4. Add in ice and rum.
5. Fill almost to top with blood orange soda.
6. Add 2 TBPS of cranberry juice on top of glass. 
7. Garnish as desired with extra lime or mint if desired.

Adapted from: Heather Cristo