While most agree that the Mojito originated from Cuba, there is much debate as to it’s true origins. The version I most subscribe to is that it was conceived by the British explore Sir Frances Drake as a means for preventing scurvy, which was a common affliction to sailors who did not get enough vitamin C in their diets; ergo the limes and mint. This legend is similar to the creating the Gin and Tonic so people would consume the malaria preventing Quinine in the tonic. Besides having a fun fact, Mojito’s are a great summer cocktail that traditionally uses run as a base but you can also substitute Vodka or gin depending on your mood and liquor cabinet inventory.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Rum (silver is best as this is a clear drink)
- 1 oz Sparkling something (club soda, sparkling water, sparkling wine, etc. you get the idea)
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup ~1 TBL (can substitute 2 tsp cane sugar)
- 0.25 oz Freshly squeezed Lime Juice (can use the pre-juiced stuff too) ~1.5 tsp
- 8 Mint leaves (7 to muddle and 1 for garnish)
- 1 Lime wedge for garnish or a lime zest twirl
- Crushed Ice
Process
- Mise en Place – measure and prepare your ingredients prior to starting.
- Muddle (i.e., crush) 7 mint leaves in the bottom of a high ball glass with simple syrup (or sugar).
- Add lime juice, rum, and ice.
- Fill glass with the sparkling beverage of your choice.
- Garnish with the remaining mint leaf and lime wedge/zest
Note 1: 1 oz = 2 TBL = 6 tsp
Note 2: Using rum is tradition, but for fun, try with vodka or gin and invent your own cocktail.
How To make simple syrup: Combine 1 part sugar with 1 part water and bring to boil. Remove from heat, let cool and put in an airtight contain to store in fridge. Given that its sugar water it has a limited storage life before fermentation sets in.
