dandelion mojito

6979691959 9a331b6cb9 dandelion mojito

It is true that in the midst of everything—and there is a LOT of ‘everything’—I venture off the farm long enough to forage for urban weeds. Dandelion is one of the most pervasive weeds, and therefore easy to plunder. Did you know dandelion’s roots used to be used for a coffee-like tincture? No doubt you have heard of dandelion wine and a million other dandelion uses. You can eat the stems, roots, leaves, flowers and buds.

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I find making a simple syrup a fun and quick way to use a bitter weed. To make dandelion syrup, simply put 1 cup sugar and 1 1/2 cups water in a pot and bring it to a simmer. Then add a few very large handfuls of dandelion greens, push them under the liquid, turn off the heat and let it simmer for half an hour. I strained it, and my sons made a few rounds of Dandelion Italian Sodas. James and I went straight for the mojitos:

Dandelion Mojito
serves 2.

1-2 T Dandelion Syrup
Juice from 1 lime (OR a lime ice cube; I freeze lime and lemon juice in ice cube trays… in this case I popped 1 ‘lime’ ice cube into the drink)
1 jigger of golden rum (actually, I just used one of those ‘mini’ bottles)
large splash of club soda

Garnish with dandelion, OR use the dandelion stem as a straw. Yeah, you heard me right. Somehow, drinking through a foraged weed straw has ‘urban hick’ written all over it. Banjo anyone?

6833564000 6de12a80f8 dandelion mojito

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Donna said (16 March 2012 at 2:27 pm):

Makes me want to run right out and check the cracks in the sidewalk for early dandelions.
Leaves only, though…mine aren’t blooming yet. Where did you get your early bloom for the mojito garnish? Imagine, on the hunt for a dandelion blossom. … Hmmm, something has changed.

Talk of Tomatoes | creamed dandelion greens [with sauteed scallops] said (10 April 2012 at 7:25 pm):

[...] I also make a mean dandelion mojito; peek here for more dandelion/foraged weed photos. Tweet This entry was posted in [...]

Talk of Tomatoes | Onion, balsamic and dandelion ravioli said (21 April 2012 at 7:33 pm):

[...] fill this pasta and save the small buds for the sauce. Need a drink to go with your flowery meal? Make dandelion mojitos. Use the stem for straws. Float a yellow flower on [...]

Talk of Tomatoes | foraging urban weeds: dandelions said (13 May 2012 at 11:51 am):

[...] stems you can use like straws, which is ironic and whimsical when you serve up a dandelion mojito. And don’t be afraid of the buds and flowers. With some foraged greens you can eat the [...]