The Mojito

(Disclaimer: If you live in the United States, you must be 21 years of age or order to buy or drink alcohol)

The Mojito is currently one of the popular, trendy, “it” drinks.  You see them everywhere any every restaurant seems to have a version of it.

They is even a new diet book out called the Mojito Diet by Dr. Juan Rivera!  What?!  I could’t believe it either when I started researching Mojito recipes and that came up.  Seems intriguing.  I might have to check it out later.

An IBA (International Bartenders Association) official cocktail, the standard recipe includes white Cuban Rum, fresh lime juice, mint sprigs, white sugar, and soda water.

The combination of flavors makes this drink so refreshing!

The History of the Mojito:

The Mojito is actually not a new kid on the block.  It’s actually been around for a while.

Originally created in Cuba, the Mojito is said to have its roots trace back to a drink to the late 1500’s.  Legend has it that during a voyage towards Cuba, Francis Drake’s crew became sick.  To remedy their stomachs, they were given a concoction of alcohol, sugar, mint, and lime.

This drink became known as the El Draque, after Francis Drake and was one of the oldest (if the not the oldest) cocktails invented.  Pretty cool, right?

Eventually white rum was used as the alcohol of choice, and the recipe was eventually standardized into what we know as the Mojito.

How to make a Classic Mojito:

In a strong (not fragile) glass, muddle together the mint sprigs, sugar, and lime juice.  Add a splash of soda water.

In case you were wondering, muddle basically means to smash or mix together.

They actually have a tool for this called a muddler.  If you don’t have one, you can always use the back of a wooden spoon.

Next, add the ice to the glass.

Pour in the white Cuban rum.

Top with a splash of the soda water.

Garnish with more mint sprigs and, if you like, a slice of lime.

Cheers!  Enjoy responsibly!

In case you were wondering, this is the more classic way to do it.

Easy Mojito:

If you want an easier way, you can take a short mixing all of the ingredients in a shaker.  Give it a shake and serve.

Some people do it this way.  The only down side, in my opinion, is that you don’t get the benefit of the muddled ingredients.  Anyway, it’s a quicker option if you have a bigger group to serve.

For a variation on this drink, try the Strawberry Mojito.

Visit Beverages/Drinks/Cocktails for additional ideas.