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Cocktail History
The Mojito is a classic cocktail that was created in Havana, Cuba in the 19th century. It’s believed to have been made as variation of the El Draque, a recipe nicknamed the world’s first cocktail, and it is traditionally made with a refreshing combination of light rum, simple syrup, lime, mint leaves, and soda water.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Soda Water: This is a type of water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. I used Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water.
White Rum: This is a type of rum made with molasses or sugar cane juice and a neutral spirit that is filtered and bottled right away without the aging process. I used BACARDÍ Superior White Rum.
Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water. I made mine using this stovetop recipe.
Lime Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lime. I used freshly squeezed lime juice.
Mint Leaves: This is an herb. I used Mojito mint leaves.
Mint Sprig: This is an herb. I used Mojito mint.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Muddler: This is used to muddle ingredients. I used the HQY Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Clear color with muddled floating mint leaves
• Aroma: Bright mint, lime and a hint of sugarcane
• Taste: Crisp and light flavor with a harmonious blend of fresh mint, tangy lime, and the subtle sweetness of sugar and a warmth from the rum
• Finish: Lingering minty freshness and a soft, subtle sweetness from the sugar
Kendall’s Take: “It’s hard not to love this classic! I hadn’t tried a Mojito in years before this tasting. The last one I had was apparently not all that great; I remember it being filled with lime and mint chunks that kept getting sucked up through my straw. But I adored this version and have since made it several times. My favorite way to enjoy them is sipping one poolside in the Mexico sunshine.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks by the editors of PUNCH and Megan Krigbaum.
Mojito
Description
The Mojito is a classic cocktail that was created in Havana, Cuba in the 19th century. It’s believed to have been made as variation of the El Draque, a recipe nicknamed the world’s first cocktail, and it is traditionally made with a refreshing combination of light rum, simple syrup, lime, mint leaves, and soda water.
Ingredients
Method
Add mint leaves and simple syrup to a highball glass.
Using a muddler, gently muddle mint leaves in simple syrup for 5-7 seconds.
Add rum and lime juice to highball glass.
Fill highball glass with cracked ice.
Top with soda water.
Garnish with mint sprig.
