Summery cocktails with muddled mint NYT

The crossword clue "Summery cocktails with muddled mint" with the answer "MOJITOS" refers to a popular cocktail typically associated with warm, summery weather. A mojito is a refreshing Cuban drink made with white rum, lime juice, sugar, soda water, and fresh mint leaves.

The mint is muddled, or gently crushed, to release its aromatic oils, giving the drink its signature fresh, herbal flavor. Mojitos are often served over ice, making them a go-to choice for hot weather, which aligns with the "summery" description in the clue. The use of muddled mint in the preparation is a key characteristic of this cocktail.

The crossword clue "Summery cocktails with muddled mint" with the answer "MINTJULEP" refers to a classic cocktail known for its refreshing qualities, especially during warmer months. A Mint Julep is traditionally made with fresh mint leaves, bourbon, sugar, and crushed ice, with the mint being muddled to release its flavor before being mixed with the other ingredients.

Although the Mint Julep is most famously associated with the Kentucky Derby, it is often enjoyed in the summer due to its cool, invigorating taste. The muddled mint is key to the drink's aromatic, herbal character, aligning with the clue's description of summery cocktails with muddled mint.

The crossword clue "Summery cocktails with muddled mint" with the answer "SOUTHERNMULE" refers to a variation of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. The Southern Mule typically features the same core ingredients as a Moscow Mule—ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka—but with a twist.

The addition of muddled mint and often bourbon (a southern twist) makes it a refreshing summer cocktail with a distinctly Southern flair. The muddled mint adds a fragrant, herbal note to the drink, complementing the spiciness of the ginger beer and the tang of lime. The Southern Mule is a perfect example of a summery cocktail with muddled mint, making it a fitting answer to the clue.

The crossword clue "Summery cocktails with muddled mint" with the answer "PIMMSCUP" refers to the classic cocktail known as the "Pimm's Cup," a refreshing and light drink often enjoyed during the summer months. The Pimm's Cup is made with Pimm's No. 1, a gin-based liqueur, mixed with lemonade or lemon soda, and garnished with a variety of fruits and herbs, including fresh mint.

While muddled mint is not always a standard part of the recipe, it is commonly used to enhance the drink's refreshing, herbal flavor. The cocktail is especially popular at summer events like garden parties and is well-known for its ability to cool and refresh on a hot day. The use of mint aligns with the clue's description of "muddled mint," making "Pimm's Cup" an appropriate answer.