I have the worst sore throat today. The only thing that is keeping me going at the office is cup after cup of this peppermint and licorice infused “Comforting” tea that I impulse shopped at Aveda a few months ago. It’s absolutely lovely. Wincing in pain every time I attempt to swallow a sip — not so much.

CK works from home now. I’ll give you a moment to digest that. Believe me I’m jealous on a daily basis as I drag myself out the door and he happily waves goodbye from the comfort of his Herman Miller Mirra chair in the new home office (formerly our guest bedroom). His new work day does have some perks. For example I can now ask him to fetch things at Whole Foods on an almost daily basis. Last week he filled our fridge with soda pop though.

I’m very anti calories in beverages that don’t come “shaken or stirred” so I was a little annoyed at this new caloric clutter, but than I figured “what the heck” and opened a bottle. I was quite surprised to discover that it was outstanding! “Grown-Up Soda” or “Gus” as its name has affectionately been shortened to is 100% natural and not super sweet like so many other sodas and colas. In fact Gus is actually sweetened with natural cane sugar. It’s also kosher and doesn’t contain preservatives or caffeine and at only 90 - 98 calories in each 12oz. bottle you wont completely ruin those morning runs if you occasionally treat yourself. And believe me, you’re going to want to indulge.

So far I’ve fallen in love with the Ginger Ale (I may never buy Schweppes again) and CK is gaga over the Dry Cola. The Cranberry Lime is probably my second favorite choice since it tastes like a Cosmo minus the vodka. Note to self: try with booze! There are other flavors too such as Dry Pomegranate, Meyer Lemon, and Crimson Grape. Ready to sample this soda for yourself? To find out where you can buy Gus in your area please check out the Grown-Up Soda map.

After a marathon shopping trip yesterday afternoon with CK, I left the mall heavily loaded down with bags. The hot sun of the parking lot and the sight of a Cheesecake Factory mere steps away made me long for a mojito. The first mojito I ever had was at The Cheesecake Factory and it was a thing of beauty. Since then I’ve had equally amazing mojitos and some seriously terrible ones. The terrible ones usually seem to forgo the all important step of using simple syrup in the drink construction.

As CK and I wandered around the lot looking for our car I petulantly expressed my mint fueled longing. He quickly jumped at the idea, but suggested that we buy our own mojito ingredients instead of braving the ridiculous crowds at the restaurant. So after a haphazard trip to Whole Foods and the liquor store, where the iPhone was consulted not once, not twice, but three times to make sure we had purchased all of the correct ingredients, we were ready to mix some cocktails. I actually almost botched the whole experiment by forgetting that there are limes in the drink. Obviously too much time at the mall sucks the intelligence right out of me.

Our friend Anna joined us for the occasion and we had an interesting impromptu dance party in the kitchen while watching the Bacardi Mojito demonstration online. It was truly a group effort and the drinks came out perfectly.  Personally I think the dancing helped. I honestly can’t think of anything better to have on a hot summer night than a large cold glass of minty rum. Summer will be over soon. it’s time to get your mojito on!

Bacardi Mojito

12 fresh spearmint leaves
1/2 lime
2 tablespoons simple syrup (equal amounts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves, cooled)
Ice
1 1/2 ounces light rum (recommended: Bacardi)
Club soda
Lime wedge and mint sprig, for garnish

In a tall glass, muddle or mash together the mint leaves and lime. Add the simple syrup or sugar and fill the glass with ice. Add the rum and top with club soda, stir well. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint.

Shop	CK’s Simple Syrup
Slice	Anna Muddles
Ice	Refreshed