The Mojito might just be the most refreshing cocktail on the planet. Not only because it's served on the rocks but because it’s flavored with fresh mint leaves, and that’s hard to beat.
The very essence of Caribbean flavors are well represented in this green-hued drink, and that’s no surprise — the cocktail is the definition of beauty in simplicity. With fresh, high-quality ingredients, Mojitos are hard not to love. Yet, although the thirst-quenching drink is straightforward, there’s lots to say about it. Here’s all about Mojitos, Cuba’s signature drink.
Today the Mojito is the 9th most famous cocktail worldwide, but its origin is not uncontested. The Bodeguita del Medio bar, in the city of Habana, Cuba, claims to be the birthplace of such a refreshing drink. The bar became immensely fashionable, particularly for their salsa music and their mojitos since they opened in 1942.
La Bodeguita became world-famous thanks to its distinguished guests, including the acclaimed writer Ernest Hemingway who once said, “My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita.”
The Mojito, though, might predate the renowned bar in Habana. Sir Francis Drake arrived in Cuba in the 1500s, and along with other European colonists, he helped establish the very lucrative rum trade. Rum soon became a familiar drink, especially with sailors, who would more often than not mix the potent drink with sugar cane juice, lime and mint leaves to mellow down the fiery drink.
We might never know where the Mojito was invented, but we can’t deny its historical importance. Few drinks have remained so prevalent throughout the centuries.
Rum is the Mojito’s heart and soul. The spirit is obtained by distilling the ferment of the sweet sugar cane juice. Rums are often aged in oak barrels to gain color, aromatics and complexity, and although the category is relatively inexpensive, the finest rums are sold for quite hefty amounts.
Mint or spearmint, what Cubans call ‘yerba buena’ aromatizes the cocktail, and it abounds in the tropical Caribbean climate. There would be no Mojito without mint, it’s interesting almost no other drink on the planet relies on muddling fresh leaves for flavor.
Lime juice plays the role of a balancing ingredient. Acid counters the sweetness in rum and a spoonful of authentic sugar cane for a very pleasing sip.
The only other thing you need is a splash of sparkling water, just lo liven the concoction a bit. As a Garnish, a fresh mint sprig does the trick. That’s a perfect Mojito right there.
There aren’t many mojito variations out there. How to improve what’s already perfect? Of course, this hasn’t stopped talented bartenders from spinning off the Cuban classic.
A dirty Mojito relies on aged rum instead of the classic white rum. And then you have all that colorful tropical fruit to give the drink a unique personality. By muddling fruit along with the mint leaves, you can end up with a blackberry mojito, a strawberry mojito, or what about a mango mojito?
Muddling is key here. The Mojito relies on the technique to extract the natural flavors from fruits and herbs. Yes, you can make yourself a tasty basil mojito by just substituting mint for basil. It’s that easy!
We’re sure you want to try out your newfound knowledge and make your own mojitos. This is a terrific idea, especially for hot summer days. Here’s a trialed and tested recipe for a delicious mojito.
What you’ll need:
– Lowball glassware
– Muddler
– A Shaker, either a 3-piece shaker or a Boston 2-piece shaker
– A strainer
Ingredients:
– 1/2 fistful of fresh mint leaves.
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 2 ounces of white rum
– 1 tsp of cane sugar
– Splash of soda
– Ice
Directions:
1. Wash and disinfect your limes and mint leaves thoroughly.
2. In a shaker, add the sugar and the mint leaves. Muddle gently.
3. Add the lime wedges to the shaker and muddle to release the juice.
4. Add the rum to the shaker and shake to combine.
5. Fill your glass with ice and a mint sprig.
6. Strain your cocktail into your glass, add a splash of soda and garnish with a mint sprig.
Mojitos are awesome, mainly because they get their flavors from natural ingredients, a rare sight nowadays. And the aromas! How not to love mojitos?
Make your own mojitos for your friends and family and enjoy such a vibrant Caribbean tradition. If there’s something Cubans do best, it is partying with drum beats in the background and a chilled mojito in hand.
