Cuban Mojito

The Mojito is Cuba’s gift to the cocktail world — a brilliantly refreshing mix of white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and sparkling soda water. Legend has it that this cocktail dates back to the 16th century, and it was famously one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite drinks at La Bodeguita del Medio in Old Havana. The combination of bright citrus, fragrant mint, and smooth rum makes the Mojito one of the most popular cocktails on earth, and for very good reason.

Ingredients

• 6-8 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
• 1 oz (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or 1 oz simple syrup)
• 2 oz (1/4 cup) white rum (Havana Club or Bacardi)
• Club soda or sparkling water
• Crushed ice
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a tall highball glass. Add the sugar and lime juice.
2. Gently muddle the mint with the sugar and lime juice — press and twist lightly to release the mint oils. Don’t shred the leaves; you want to bruise them, not pulverize them.
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
4. Pour the white rum over the ice.
5. Top with club soda, leaving about half an inch of room at the top.
6. Stir gently to combine all the flavors. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel.

Pro Tips

• The secret to a great Mojito is gentle muddling — you want to release the mint’s aromatic oils, not make a bitter green paste. Press gently and twist; the leaves should stay mostly intact.
• Use crushed ice, not cubed. Crushed ice dilutes faster and keeps the drink at the perfect sipping temperature, which is exactly what you want for a Mojito.
• Fresh spearmint is the traditional mint variety for Mojitos. Avoid peppermint, which is too intense and medicinal-tasting.

Serving Suggestions

Mojitos pair beautifully with Cuban sandwiches, seafood ceviche, grilled shrimp, or any Latin American cuisine. They’re the quintessential summer patio drink. For a non-alcoholic version (a “Nojito”), simply omit the rum and add extra soda water — it’s equally delicious and just as refreshing.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

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