Fresh Orange Mojito

Last night, I needed a little taste of vacation before my vacation.

June has been a long month and these past couple weeks have been particularly stressful. My mini get away to the Outer Banks will be exactly what the doctor ordered.

While sipping my mojito I thought about morning runs on the small friendly roads around the beach house. Board games and snacks with the kids. Cracking blue crabs at dusk on the big screened in porch, books on the beach and 4th of July fireworks.

Today I will be picking up a new beach bag, some deep conditioning spray to protect my hair from salt water frizzies and a new book.

Any beach read suggestions?

Shopping List (from Food Network, minus the lime)

1/2 orange, cut into 3 wedges
2 teaspoons sugar
1 or 2 sprigs fresh mint
2 1/2 ounces white rum
1 cup crushed ice

Put the oranges, sugar, and mint in a large rocks glass. Muddle the leaves and citrus by pressing them with a pestle or a wooden spoon until juicy and fragrant. Add the rum and ice. Cover with a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously, or stir, until combined and chilled, about 30 seconds. (In general, by the time the shaker mists up the drink is ready.) Serve.