How to Make Mojitos

Make A Mojito

Mojito is a traditional cocktail drink that originated from Cuba. It became popular as Cuba’s national drink during the 1920s. According to some records that traced the drink’s history, it was the African slaves then working in the sugar cane fields of Cuba in the 19th century who concocted the cocktail. The slaves were said to be fond of the sugar cane juice called Guarapo, a main ingredient in making the mojito.

Originally, the drink contains only five ingredients such as the white rum, lime, carbonated water, mint and sugar cane juice. The use of sugar, mint and citrus flavor in the drink is meant to lessen the bitter and strong taste of the rum. Its unique taste has made this cocktail a popular drink especially during the summer season.

Making a mojito is fast and easy when you have the right ingredients. The recipe provided here is the traditional one just the way the Cubans prepare it.

• 1 ½ oz white rum
• ½ oz fresh lime juice from one whole lime
• 2 ½ oz fresh sugar cane juice
• ½ oz chilled soda water
• 3 to 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 sprig mint

In a tall glass, mix lime juice, sugar and mint leaves. Using a spoon, muddle the mint leaves with the mixture at the bottom part of the glass making sure not to mash them. The idea is to release only the leaves’ essential oils so make it a point not to tear them inside the mixture. The next step is to add the rum into the juice and stir a bit so that the sugar is dissolved. Stirring should also make the leaves float to the top. The last part is to add ice cubes and sparkling water. Finally, to make the drink appear more attractive, you can use lime wedges and mint leaves for garnishing.

The traditional mojito itself is already good enough. But if you’d like some variety, you can always experiment by using other ingredients.

In Cuba, some areas there use dark rums and brown sugar. Another version is to use whole lime wedges and muddle them together with the mint and sugar. To achieve the sweet taste, you can also use icing sugar or sugar syrup. If you don’t like the taste of strong rum, choose the fruit flavored ones along with vodka. Rums and vodkas come in different fruit flavors such as strawberry, lychee and mango. Instead of the lime, you are free to use other citrus fruits such as pineapple and passion fruit.

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