How to Make a Cuban Mojito

Cuban Mojito Recipe

The Mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail renowned for its refreshing and invigorating taste. This iconic drink is a harmonious blend of fresh mint leaves, white rum, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, served over ice. Each ingredient contributes to its unique flavor profile, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on the palate.

Originating in Havana, Cuba, the Mojito has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It was initially consumed for its medicinal properties, which are believed to cure ailments and boost energy levels. Over time, it evolved into a beloved cocktail enjoyed worldwide for its delightful combination of sweetness, tartness, and herbal freshness.

Preparing a Mojito is an art form in itself. It requires muddling mint leaves and sugar to release the herb's aromatic oils and flavors. Lime juice and rum provide a zesty kick and a warm undertone, while soda water adds effervescence, lightening the drink and enhancing its thirst-quenching qualities.

Whether sipped on a sunny beach or enjoyed at a bustling bar, the Mojito remains a timeless favorite, capturing the essence of summer in a glass. Its vibrant flavors and cooling sensation make it a perfect choice for those seeking a revitalizing and delightful cocktail experience.

History

The exact origins of the Mojito are a bit murky, but it is widely believed to have originated in Cuba, specifically in Havana, during the early 16th century. The drink's creation is often attributed to sailors and pirates who sought remedies for scurvy and other illnesses during their voyages. The word "Mojito" itself is derived from the Spanish word "mojo," meaning a little spell or charm.

Over the centuries, the Mojito has evolved from its humble medicinal beginnings to become a popular cocktail enjoyed worldwide. While its precise inventor remains unknown, the Mojito's enduring popularity and cultural significance in Cuban and Caribbean traditions have solidified its place as one of the world's most beloved and iconic cocktails.

The Event

Last night, my wife took me to a fashionable charity event called Motor Cars Under the Stars. It was a gift for my recent birthday and is becoming an annual event for us. The event is sponsored by UBS Financial Services and the Philadelphia Area Jaguar Dealers to raise money for United Cerebral Palsy.

UCP is an important institution to us. They are the leading source of information on cerebral palsy, and their mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities. Our youngest daughter has CP.

The event was held at the Ardrossan Estate in the Philadelphia Main Line area. If you are a movie buff, you may remember this estate because it was once home to Hope Montgomery Scott, the inspiration for the character Katharine Hepburn played in The Philadelphia Story.

The estate is for sale, and this may be the last time anyone gets to wander around it. We could tour the mansion's first floor and look at the incredible family artwork and classic architectural details. It really took you back to a past era. I only wish I watched the movie again before this event.

Tons of great food were served at various stations on the grounds. We had filet mignon, crab fingers, beef and chicken satay, and Mojitos. We found an empty bench at the back of the house, looking over some of the 300-plus acres while dining on our finger food and enjoying our cocktails. It made for a fun night.

One of the sponsors was 10Cane Rum. They had several tables set up where they were making this delicious rum concoction called a Mojito, Hemingway's other favorite drink and the subject of this blog.

What Type of Glass Should It Be Served In?

A Mojito is traditionally served in a highball or a Collins glass. These tall, narrow glasses showcase the cocktail's layered appearance and allow room for the drink's refreshing ingredients, such as mint leaves and lime wedges, to be prominently displayed. The highball or Collins glass also provides ample space for ice and soda water, ensuring the drink remains chilled and effervescent throughout consumption.

The use of a highball or Collins glass enhances the visual appeal of the Mojito and the drinking experience by preserving the cocktail's balance of flavors and maintaining its refreshing qualities. When serving a Mojito, it is common to garnish the drink with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wedge to add a final touch of elegance and aromatic complexity to this iconic cocktail.

What Are Angostura Bitters?

Angostura bitters are a concentrated botanical infusion made primarily from gentian roots, spices, and herbs. They were originally created by Dr. Johann Gottlieb Benjamin Siegert in the town of Angostura, Venezuela, in the early 19th century as a medicinal tonic. However, due to their unique and complex flavor profile, they soon gained popularity as a flavor enhancer in cocktails and food recipes.

In a Cuban Mojito, Angostura bitters are sometimes added to provide an additional layer of complexity and depth to the cocktail's flavor. While the classic Mojito recipe primarily focuses on the refreshing combination of mint, lime, rum, sugar, and soda water, a few dashes of Angostura bitters can introduce subtle spicy and herbal notes, balancing out the drink's sweetness and acidity.

Adding Angostura bitters to a Cuban Mojito is a matter of personal preference and can be adjusted to suit individual taste preferences. Some people enjoy the subtle complexity it brings to the cocktail, while others prefer the classic simplicity of the original recipe. Either way, Angostura bitters can be a delightful and intriguing addition to this iconic cocktail, enhancing its flavor profile and making each sip a memorable experience.

 

In a tall glass, the Mojito sits,

With minty leaves and limey bits.

White rum winks from its icy lair,

A splash of soda, if you dare.

With a shake and a stir, it's ready to go,

A Cuban delight, stealing the show!

The Muddler

A muddler is a bartender's tool for crushing or muddled ingredients, such as herbs, fruits, or sugar, in the bottom of a glass or cocktail shaker to release their flavors and essential oils. It typically consists of a handle and a flat or textured end, often made of wood, stainless steel, or plastic.

To make a Cuban Mojito, a muddler is essential for muddling fresh mint leaves and sugar together at the bottom of a glass. This process helps to release the mint's aromatic oils and combine them with the sugar to create a flavorful base for the cocktail. After muddling, lime juice and rum are added to the glass, followed by ice and a splash of soda water. The mixture is then gently stirred to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.

Using a muddler ensures that the Mojito captures the fresh, vibrant flavors of the mint and lime, resulting in a refreshing and aromatic cocktail that is synonymous with Cuban culture and hospitality.

Mojito

• 1-teaspoon powdered sugar
• 2 ounces fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 4 mint leaves
• a couple of drops of Angostura bitters
• 2 ounces rum
• 2 ounces of club soda

How to Prepare a Mojito

Place the mint leaves into your glass of choice. Traditionally, tall "Tom Collins" type glasses are used, but we were served in highball glasses, which tasted fine. Add the fresh lime juice, sugar, and bitters.

Gently mash these ingredients together with a Harry Potter-sounding tool called a muddler, a wooden club that looks like a small bat. If you don't have a muddler, and I don't know why you would, you can use the back of a spoon. I would invest in a muddler if you plan to make many Mojitos this summer.

Add ice—crushed is better than cubes. Add the rum and stir. Our bartender mixed the drinks with a cocktail mixer, the same as you would use to make a martini. I think they are better this way because the ice doesn't dilute the drink's flavor.

Once mixed, top off with a little club soda and serve.  Delicious!

Warning - Don't drink and drive.