The Mojito is a classic Cuban cocktail that has been around for hundreds of years. The origins of the Mojito are disputed, but it is thought to have originated in the early 1800s when Cuban sailors mixed rum, lime, and mint to make a refreshing drink to help them stay hydrated during long voyages. The drink was then adopted by the Cuban upper class and became popular in Havana.
The original Mojito recipe calls for white rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, and soda water. The rum is usually Bacardi white rum, but any light rum will do, and the mint and lime should be freshly squeezed. The drink is served over ice, usually in a highball or collins glass.
To make a Mojito at home, you will need:
- 2 ounces of light rum
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 6-7 mint leaves
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Garnishes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a shaker, muddle the lime juice and sugar together until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add mint leaves and muddle until the mint is lightly crushed.
- Pour in the rum and fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Fill a highball or collins glass with ice cubes and pour the mixture into the glass.
- Top off with club soda and stir.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge, if desired.
To make the Mojito more interesting, you can add a variety of fruits. Some popular additions to the Mojito are strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and pineapple. You can also try adding flavored syrups such as elderflower or ginger.
For a non-alcoholic version of the Mojito, you can replace the rum with sparkling water or ginger beer.
No matter what ingredients you choose, the Mojito is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!
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