The Mojito Cocktail
The Mojito, a refreshing Cuban favourite, has a rich history. In 1586, Richard Drake, an associate of Sir Francis Drake, created "El Draque" with aguardiente, sugar, lime, and mint as a health tonic.
By the mid-1800s, rum replaced aguardiente, thanks to the Bacardi Company, and the Mojito as we know it began to flourish.
By 1940, Cuban playwright Federico Villoch noted its evolution from a humble tonic to a chic cocktail. So, when you sip a Mojito, you're tasting history.
How to Make a Mojito Cocktail
- Fresh ingredients — lime wedges and a lot of mint leaves. We'll use these instead the cocktail and as a garnish.
- Simple Syrup
- White Rum (We recommend Havana Club Original)
- Soda water
Bartender Tips
- For a truly authentic Mojito, Cuban rum like Havana Club is a must. Known for its smooth, light body and subtle flavours of vanilla and almond with a hint of smokiness, it complements the mint and lime perfectly without overwhelming the cocktail.
- To keep the Mojito's flavours bright and fresh, gently slap the mint leaves instead of muddling them too vigorously. This method prevents the release of any bitter flavours, ensuring your Mojito remains light and refreshing.
- Beyond the traditional mint and lime, try adding a sprig of rosemary or a few raspberries for a unique twist that can enhance the overall experience of the drink.
Variations
A Mojito is a classic example of a smash cocktail, typically combining rum, lime, and mint, essentially categorizing it as a Rum-Lime-Mint-Smash. This type of cocktail involves muddling citrus and herbs to enhance the flavours, with numerous variations possible, such as adding fresh berries or substituting rum with gin and mint with rosemary for a different twist.
For Mojito variations like a Gin Smash, replace the rum with gin and the lime with lemon while keeping the mint. The basic formula for any smash cocktail includes 2 oz of the chosen spirit, 3-4 wedges of citrus, 0.75 oz of simple syrup, and herbs muddled together, topped off with soda to create a refreshing and customizable drink.
