July is officially rum month, and how better to celebrate than by taking a dive into the world’s favorite rum cocktail? We’re talking, of course, about the Mojito.
There’s just something so perfect and refreshing about this blend of white rum, lime and mint. So, let’s look at the history of the Mojito and some great alternative recipes for mixing up this drink.
Cocktail Critters
Looking for accessories to wear on your next Mojito party? Cocktail Critters has an assortment of fun & fashionable enamel pins and cocktail inspired designs fit for any occasion.
The History of the Mojito
The Mojito’s exact origins aren’t known, and it’s likely they never will be. The most widely accepted story is that it began as a drink made by plantation workers who farmed sugar.
Sugar cane farmers accidentally discovered that they could create aguardiente, which translates to ‘firewater’. It was essentially a primitive form of rum created by fermenting the excess molasses left over from sugar cane processing. As with most other fermented alcohols, it was probably an accident.
Unsurprisingly, based on its name, firewater was a bit harsh. So, locals mixed it with local limes and mint (and a bit of sugar) to make it taste nicer. And thus, the Mojito was born, in some form at least.
As you might have guessed, this happened in Havana, Cuba, the city most widely associated with Mojitos. In later centuries, it was a popular drink with African slaves who worked on the sugar plantations, but by this point, it was rum instead of burning water.
There’s some debate over the cocktail’s name. The most likely explanations are that it comes from the Cuban seasoning ‘mojo’, which is lime based, and that it’s derived from the Spanish word ‘mojadito’, meaning ‘slightly wet’.
Enjoying a Mojito
The Mojito is believed to be one of the most popular cocktails in the world. In one survey, it was found to be the UK’s and France’s favorite cocktail. Unsurprisingly, it goes down pretty well in the US, too, thanks to its refreshing flavor and sheer simplicity.
Author Ernest Hemingway was apparently a big fan of a Mojito. Legend goes that he wrote graffiti on the wall of Cuban bar La Bodeguita del Medio. It said, ‘My Mojito in La Bodeguita, My daquiri in El Floridita’.
But where might you find the best Mojito? Well, the general consensus would be Cuba because the people of Havana have been making them for a very long time!
If a quick trip to Cuba isn’t possible, Miami might be your next best bet. Famous for its Little Cuba, there are numerous places in the area where you can pick up a classic Mojito. Some highlights include Kuba Cabana and Mojitos Calle 8.
Mojito Recipe
Luckily, the Mojito is a pretty easy drink to make (but a difficult one to master). Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, try some of the various alternatives. The most popular include strawberry, virgin (nojito), mango and cucumber.
Here’s a great Mojito recipe to get you started.
Mojito (Classic)
- 60ml (2oz) White Rum
- 2tsp Granulated Sugar (or 15ml Sugar Syrup*)
- 3-4 Wedges of Lime
- 8-10 Mint Leaves
- 45ml (1 1/2oz) Carbonated/Soda Water
- Garnish: Mint Sprigs & Lime Wedge
Muddle the lime and sugar in a highball glass. Add mint leaves and rum, gently stirring to extract the oils of the mint leaves. Top the glass with crushed ice and finally with soda water. Stir once again to ensure all the flavors are combined, and garnish with fresh mint sprigs & a lime wedge.
*Opting for sugar syrup will ensure the sweetness is more consistent throughout each sip.
Nojito (Non-Alcoholic)
- 2tsp Granulated Sugar (or 15ml Sugar Syrup*)
- 3-4 Wedges of Lime
- 8-10 Mint Leaves
- 90ml (1 1/2oz) Carbonated/Soda Water or Sprite/7-Up**
- Garnish: Mint Sprigs & Lime Wedge
Muddle the lime and sugar in a highball glass. Add mint leaves, gently stirring to extract the oils of the mint leaves. Top the glass with crushed ice and finally with soda water or Sprite/7-Up. Stir once again to ensure all the flavors are combined, and garnish with fresh mint sprigs & a lime wedge.
**If you decide to go with Sprite/7-Up, you may want to opt out of the sugar syrup for this one. With so much sugar pouring from the can, you won’t be needing any additional sweeteners.
Mojito (Strawberry)
- 60ml (2oz) White Rum
- 2tsp Granulated Sugar (or 15ml Sugar Syrup)
- 3-4 Wedges of Lime
- 2 Strawberries* (halved)
- 8-10 Mint Leaves
- 45ml (1 1/2oz) Carbonated/Soda Water
- Garnish: Mint Sprigs & Strawberry
Muddle the lime, strawberries and sugar in a highball glass. Add mint leaves and rum, gently stirring to extract the oils of the mint leaves. Top the glass with crushed ice and finally with soda water. Stir once again to ensure all the flavors are combined, and garnish with fresh mint sprigs & a strawberry.
*If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, you can reach for a bottle of Strawberry Rum instead to make this cocktail.
Mojito (Mango)
- 60ml (2oz) White Rum
- 2tsp Granulated Sugar (or 15ml Sugar Syrup)
- 3-4 Wedges of Lime
- 2 slices of Mango
- 8-10 Mint Leaves
- 45ml (1 1/2oz) Carbonated/Soda Water
- Garnish: Mint Sprigs & Mango Slice
Muddle the lime, mango slices and sugar in a highball glass. Add mint leaves and rum, gently stirring to extract the oils of the mint leaves. Top the glass with crushed ice and finally with soda water. Stir once again to ensure all the flavors are combined, and garnish with fresh mint sprigs & a mango.
Mojito (Cucumber)
- 60ml (2oz) White Rum
- 2tsp Granulated Sugar (or 15ml Sugar Syrup)
- 3-4 Wedges of Lime
- 3 slices of Cucumber
- 8-10 Mint Leaves
- 45ml (1 1/2oz) Carbonated/Soda Water
- Garnish: Mint Sprigs & Cucumber Ribbon
Muddle the lime, cucumber slices and sugar in a highball glass. Add mint leaves and rum, gently stirring to extract the oils of the mint leaves. Top the glass with crushed ice and finally with soda water. Stir once again to ensure all the flavors are combined, and garnish with fresh mint sprigs & cucumber ribbon.
Sip on a Mojito this Summer
If you’re one of the millions of people who love a Mojito, why not show your love with some of our great Mojito merch? There’s a classic Bacardi enamel pin or a cool Snake x Mojito enamel pin.
Whatever you choose, start off your cocktail summer in style!
