Mojito: Cuba's Crown Jewel

IBA Cocktail

Picture yourself on a sun-drenched Havana terrace, where the gentle clinking of ice meets the fragrant slap of Fresh Mint. The Mojito isn't just a cocktail, it's a Caribbean holiday in a glass, bringing Cuban sunshine to any occasion.

Mojito: Cuba's Crown Jewel

The Mojito stands as a masterclass in simplicity and balance, where each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating something greater than the sum of its parts. The magic begins with the aromatic dance between Fresh Mint and Raw Sugar, a ritual that releases essential oils and creates the drink's signature fragrance.

White Rum provides the foundation, bringing subtle sweetness and complexity without overwhelming the delicate mint notes. Fresh Lime Juice adds bright acidity, while a splash of Soda Water introduces effervescence that carries the flavours across your palate.

What sets the Mojito apart is its remarkable ability to refresh and revive. Unlike many classic cocktails that lean heavily on spirits, the Mojito achieves its charm through perfect harmony between its components. The drink feels both sophisticated and casual, equally at home in a beach bar or a high-end cocktail lounge.

Perhaps most impressively, the Mojito has maintained its authenticity despite its global popularity. While countless variations exist, the classic recipe remains unchanged, a testament to its perfect composition.

A refreshing Cuban highball that's perfect for summer days.

Did you know that Mojito...

was Ernest Hemingway's favourite drink at La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, where his autograph still adorns the wall?

Who invented this cocktail

While no single inventor can be credited, the Mojito emerged from Cuba's maritime culture, with early versions reportedly consumed by Sir Francis Drake's crew in the 1500s under the name 'El Draque'.

The origin and history of "Mojito"

Born in the bustling ports of Cuba, the Mojito's origins stretch back to the 16th century. Initially crafted as a remedy for tropical ailments using local aguardiente de caña (a crude forerunner of Rum), the drink evolved alongside Cuba's Rum production, becoming progressively more refined until it reached its current form.

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Bartender Tips for making the perfect "Mojito"

Master the art of Mojito-making with these Caribbean insights:
  • Gently press mint leaves, don't shred them
  • Use granulated Raw Sugar rather than syrup for texture
  • Choose a crisp White Rum that won't overpower the mint
  • Add Soda Water last and give just a gentle stir

Mojito recipe

Prep: 4 minTotal: 6 min

Ingredients

  • 60 ml WHITE RUM
  • 30 ml FRESH LIME JUICE
  • 1 tsp BROWN SUGAR
  • 5/6 MINT LEAVES
  • 30 ml SODA WATER
  • 2 oz WHITE RUM
  • 1 oz FRESH LIME JUICE
  • 1 tsp BROWN SUGAR
  • 5/6 MINT LEAVES
  • 1 oz SODA WATER

Garnish

  • MINT SPRIG
  • LIME WEDGE

Preparation

  1. Add Lime Juice, Sugar and Mint Leaves to the glass
  2. Crush well the content with a muddler
  3. Add ice (preferably crushed) to the glass
  4. Pour the Rum and fill it up with Soda Water
  5. Give it a good stir with a tall spoon and garnish

Nutritional Info

  • Calories:137 kcal
  • Alcohol units:2.4 units
  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume)~20%

Dietary Info

VeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-free
Country of origin: Cuba

"Mojito" Variations

  • Add Fresh Raspberries for a Berry Mojito
  • Use Dark Rum for an Old Cuban
  • Swap Rum for Vodka to create a Mojito Royal
  • Add Passion Fruit for a Tropical Mojito

Whether you're escaping the summer heat or dreaming of Caribbean shores, the Mojito remains a timeless testament to the power of fresh ingredients and careful craftsmanship.

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Current Comments: 6

Alex
Nov 16, 2024
Finally found the perfect mojito recipe! The proportions are spot-on - not too sweet, perfectly minty, and just the right amount of rum.
Martha
Nov 7, 2024
The perfect balance of mint and lime! Love how the brown sugar adds a subtle depth that white sugar just doesn't have.
Davide
Jul 8, 2024
Love how refreshing this is! The combination of fresh lime and mint is unbeatable. Perfect for warm evenings.
Victor F
Jun 26, 2024
My go-to cocktail! The soda water adds just the right amount of fizz without diluting the flavors. Always a crowd-pleaser.
Alexander B.
Mar 7, 2024
Such a classic for good reason! The brown sugar really complements the rum, and the mint adds such a fresh kick.
Igor Ivanov
Jan 14, 2024
Best summer drink ever! The fresh mint makes such a difference, and the soda water gives it that perfect fizzy finish.