Red Currant Mojito Recipe

Savoring Oregon Native Red Currants: A Cocktail for People and Wildlife

Red flowering currants (Ribes sanguineum) are one of Oregon’s most charming native shrubs. Known for their bright pink to red blooms in early spring, these plants aren’t just beautiful—they also play a vital role in local ecosystems.

Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees are drawn to their nectar, while birds and small mammals snack on the berries later in the season.

For gardeners, red flowering currants are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and a colorful addition to any yard or natural landscape.

And if you’re looking for a way to enjoy these native berries yourself, they are ripe in late July - August. Here’s a simple recipe that celebrates the bright, tangy flavor of Oregon’s red currants.

Red Currant Mojito

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh red currants

• 6–8 fresh mint leaves

• 1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• 1.5 oz white rum

• Soda water (club soda)

• Ice cubes

• Mint sprig and a few red currants for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the flavors: In a sturdy glass, gently muddle the red currants, mint leaves, and sugar until the berries release their juices.

2. Add lime: Squeeze in the juice from half a lime and drop the wedges into the glass.

3. Ice and spirit: Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour in the white rum. Stir gently to combine.

4. Top with soda: Add soda water to your taste and give the drink a light stir.

5. Garnish and serve: Finish with a sprig of mint and a few red currants. Enjoy your vibrant, refreshing Red Currant Mojito!

Tip: Feel free to adjust the sugar or rum to taste, or experiment with other spirits like gin or tequila for a unique twist.

Why Red Flowering Currants Matter

• For People: The tart-sweet berries are edible, perfect for cocktails, jams, or even a simple snack. Their antioxidants and vitamins make them a small but potent nutritional boost.

• For Wildlife: Early spring flowers provide critical nectar for pollinators like hummingbirds and native bees. Later in the season, the berries feed birds, small mammals, and insects, supporting a thriving backyard ecosystem.

• For Gardens: Red flowering currants improve biodiversity, attract beneficial insects, and require minimal watering once established. They’re a natural, chemical-free way to enhance a yard’s ecological health.

Whether you’re sipping a Red Currant Mojito on a sunny afternoon or watching hummingbirds flit between blossoms, these native shrubs offer a delightful connection to Oregon’s landscape. By incorporating them into your garden, you’re supporting wildlife and enjoying the bright flavors of the Pacific Northwest—all in one glass.

Urban Rewilding & Food Project

If you’re thinking about adding native plants to your yard—whether you want to go completely wild, create a thriving pollinator meadow, or just incorporate a few carefully chosen native species—Urban Rewilding can help. 

Our team of experts specializes in creating regenerative, low-maintenance landscapes that work with nature instead of against it. By choosing native plants, you’re not just planting for beauty—you’re supporting local wildlife, improving soil health, reducing water use, and even growing food right in your own yard.

Native plants are perfectly adapted to Oregon’s climate and soils, meaning they require minimal watering, no chemical fertilizers, and little ongoing care. They provide habitat for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, helping your yard become a small but vital piece of a healthy urban ecosystem. Many of the species we install also produce edible fruits, nuts, and berries, giving you a landscape that nourishes both you and the wildlife.

Whether your goal is a fully wild, self-sustaining ecosystem or a curated mix of native plants that fits your lifestyle, Urban Rewilding guides you every step of the way. We handle everything from assessing your site and creating custom planting plans to helping you choose the right plants for your yard’s conditions and long-term vision.

Ready to transform your yard into a resilient, thriving, and beautiful space? Book a site visit [here] and let us help you create a native landscape that grows food, supports wildlife, and thrives with minimal maintenance.