Recipe: Candied kumquat mojito
by the LA Times

Total time: 20 minutes, plus macerating time
Servings: 1
Note: From Peter Birmingham at Norman's, where the drink is made with Ron Matusalem Platino rum. Birmingham also recommends Bacardi Silver or Cruzan Estate Light rum. You'll have enough simple syrup and candied kumquats for up to 12 drinks.

Ingredients:

Candied kumquats

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup sugar
• 12 kumquats, whole
• 1 stalk lemongrass, ends trimmed and two outer layers removed, slightly smashed with the side of a chef's knife
• 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water

1. Add the boiling water to the sugar. Stir to mix and dissolve the sugar, cool.

2. Bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch the kumquats for 1 minute, drain.

3. Place the sugar water, lemongrass and orange blossom water in a bowl. Add the kumquats, placing a small plate on top to submerge the kumquats. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours and up until 3 weeks.

Simple syrup

• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 3/4 cup sugar

Add the boiling water to the sugar. Stir to mix and dissolve the sugar. Cool.

Cocktail

• 6 mint leaves
• 3/4 ounce (5 teaspoons) simple syrup, divided
• 1 candied kumquat4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice2 ounces rum1 tablespoon pineapple juice
• 1 wedge lime
• Splash club soda

1. In a double old-fashioned glass, muddle the mint with one-fourth ounce (two teaspoons) simple syrup. Add the candied kumquat and muddle. Add ice to glass.

2. In a cocktail shaker, mix together the lemon and lime juices, the remaining one-half ounce (about 3 teaspoons) simple syrup, the rum and pineapple juice. Shake well. Pour into the glass, add the wedge of lime and splash of club soda.

Each serving: 200 calories; 0 protein; 19 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 0 fat; 0 saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 3 mg. Sodium.
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Non-alcoholic recipe: Agua fresca with watermelon and lime

As posted on LA Times

Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: Makes 2 1/2 quarts

Note: Agave nectar is available at Trader Joe's stores, Whole Foods, Ralphs and other well-stocked supermarkets.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into medium pieces (about 6 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
• Sea salt

1. In a blender, purée the watermelon with 4 cups of water and the agave nectar, in batches.

2. Strain through a coarse strainer or mesh sieve, discarding any solids. Stir in the lime juice and a generous pinch of sea salt.

3. Adjust the seasoning and consistency to taste: agave nectar for sweetness, lime juice for tartness, sea salt to enhance flavor, and water to thin. Serve over ice. Garnish each glass with a slice of lime, if desired. This will keep for 2 days, refrigerated.

Each 8-ounce serving: 57 calories; 1 gram protein; 15 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 0 fat; 0 saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 7 mg. sodium.

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Recipe: Champagne punch

As posted on LA Times

Total time: 10 minutes, plus freezing time for the decorative block of ice

Servings: 10

Note: From Julie Reiner of Clover Club. To prepare ice that has been frozen with raspberries and blackberries: Fill a container that fits in your punch bowl with hot water. Add raspberries and blackberries for decoration and freeze.

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon1 sugar cube
• 2 tablespoons cassis2 tablespoons St-Germain elderflower liqueur
• 1 large block of ice (see note above)
• 1 (750 ml) bottle of rosé Champagne
• Raspberries and blackberries for garnish

1. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the lemon in lengthwise strips, avoiding the white pith. Reserve the fruit for another use. Place the lemon peel in a sturdy bowl and muddle with the sugar cube until the peels release their oil and the sugar becomes moist and fragrant.

2. In a shaker without ice, shake the lemon peel, sugar, cassis and elderflower liqueur. Strain into a chilled punch bowl over a large block of ice that has been frozen with raspberries and blackberries in it. Add the Champagne and garnish with raspberries and blackberries.Each serving: 75 calories; 0 protein; 4 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 0 fat; 0 cholesterol; 0 sodium.