Grape & Sumac Virgin Mojito | Kitchenstagram
Indulge in the delightful Grape & Sumac Virgin Mojito, a refreshing summer elixir. Crafted with luscious grapes, tangy sumac syrup, zesty lime juice and invigorating mint leaves, this effervescent concoction is topped with club soda for that perfect fizz. In just 2 minutes, enjoy the symphony of flavours dancing on your palate, making it an ideal sip for scorching summer days.
Sumac, originating from the Arabic word “summaq,” meaning “dark red,” is a vibrant crimson spice cherished in Middle Eastern cuisine for its distinctive flavour profile. Derived from the berries of the Rhus Coriaria shrub, sumac undergoes a meticulous process before becoming the coarse crimson powder adored by cooks worldwide.
Upon drying, the berries are ground and sifted to remove the bitter inner seed, resulting in a spice characterized by its sour, sharp, bright, earthy and fruity tones. This unique blend of flavours adds a refreshing zing to various dishes, making sumac a popular choice across many culinary traditions.
Despite its striking appearance and robust flavour, sumac is not without its caveats. Authentic sumac should exhibit a dark, brownish hue, as opposed to artificially dyed bright red varieties often found in stores. This distinction ensures the purity and quality of the spice, preserving its authentic taste and culinary integrity.
In Lebanese cuisine, sumac holds a prominent position, featured in a myriad of dishes ranging from the iconic zaatar blend to flavourful stuffings for mehshis and kibbeh, as well as dressing for futtoush salads. Its versatility knows no bounds, contributing to the rich tapestry of flavours found in Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
Beyond its culinary applications, sumac boasts a long history of medicinal uses, with its presence extending across the Mediterranean region, Turkey, Lebanon and parts of Europe and Africa. This wild plant’s abundance has made it a staple ingredient in many cuisines, reserved for both its flavour-enhancing properties and potential health benefits.
Interestingly, while sumac thrives naturally in regions like the Middle East, much of the world’s commercial sumac production occurs in Canada. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing beverage on a scorching day or incorporated into a variety of dishes, sumac’s versatility and vibrant flavour profile make it a beloved ingredients in kitchens around the world. So, whether you’re sipping it to beat the heat or sprinkling it into your favourite recipes, sumac adds a touch of exotic flair to any culinary creation.
Ingredients for Grape & Sumac Virgin Mojito:
Grapes: Choose fresh and firm grapes, avoiding soft and discoloured ones.
Sumac syrup: Prepare a simple syrup infused with dried sumac powder or fresh berries. Dried sumac powder is readily available in grocery stores or online spice sections.
Mint leaves: Opt for fresh fresh green mint leaves for optimal flavour.
Lime juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the freshest taste.
Storage tips:
For optimal enjoyment, Grape & Sumac Virgin Mojito is best savoured fresh. However, if you need to store it, refrigeration is key. Simply transfer it into a glass jar or a covered container and store it in the refrigerator. This preserves its flavours and freshness for up to a day, ensuring you still get a delightful experience when you are ready to enjoy it.
Ingredients
Grape & Sumac Virgin Mojito:
1 cup Fresh Green Grapes
1/2 tsp Salt
3-4 pcs. Lime slices
4-5 nos. Fresh Mint leaves
30 ml Sumac syrup
Crushed Ice
Club Soda
Sumac Syrup:
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Sugar
1 tbsp Dried Sumac powder
1 tsp Lemon juice
Garnish:
1 no. Green Grape
1 no. Lime slice
Fresh Mint sprig
1 no. Cocktail Umbrella
Preparation
Sumac Syrup:
- Step 1: In a saucepan combine water, sugar and dried sumac powder.
- Step 2: Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.
- Step 3: Then reduce the heat to low and cook for 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Turn off the heat and add lemon juice. Keep aside.
Grape & Sumac Virgin Mojito:
- Step 4: In a blender combine green grapes and salt and blend until smooth.
- Step 5: Then strain the grape juice and keep aside.
- Step 6: Add lime slices and mint leaves to a tall serving glass. Muddle using a muddler until aromatic.
- Step 7: Next add grape juice and crushed ice to the glass.
- Step 8: Then add sumac syrup and top with club soda.
- Step 9: Garnish with lime slice, grapes, mint sprig and an umbrella.
- Step 10: Serve immediately. Enjoy!!
About Me
DEBJANI MONDAL
Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.
My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>
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