The mojito is my friend. I know it’s dangerously hip to say so, but I like it. Light, refreshing, tasty, it has all the hallmarks of greatness. (Why I don’t have one listed on here yet, I don’t know, but I’ll get to work sorting that out sometime soon.)

I decided all this before I discovered the Blueberry Mojito, a clever twist on the original that manages to multiply the enjoyment of that fine classic by the power of ten. I’m not generally much on the variation school of bartending, but this is one variation worth checking out.

12 mint sprigs
12 blueberries
3/4 oz simple syrup
1 1/2 oz gold rum
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz chilled club soda
1 oz chilled 7Up

Muddle mint, blueberries and simple syrup in cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, add lime juice and rum, and shake well. Strain into highball glass filled with ice, top with sodas and garnish with a mint sprig.

The light, refreshing and tasty parts of the original mojito have all been preserved in this version, with the slightly sweet, exceptionally flavorful addition of muddled blueberries. When I first made one, I was afraid that it was going to be too sweet because of the fruit and 7 Up, but the change manages to be both subtle and profound.

No, really. You have to try this.

Note: This recipe also works with strawberries and raspberries, if those strike your fancy, though I would cut the 7Up in half if working with strawberries, as they are so much sweeter.