This Classic Mojito Cocktail combines fresh mint, lime, simple syrup, club soda and white rum. It’s fresh, crisp, sweet and refreshing!
The other day the door bell rang and my neighbor’s little boy delivered a HUGE bag loaded with fresh mint. It smelled so wonderful and I immediately started to work on how I was going to use the mint. First, I made a huge pitcher filled with lemon slices and fresh mint. Second, I made mint ice cubes that can be put into really any drink. And third, I made some delicious and refreshing Mojitos to indulge in!
This Classic Mojito Cocktail combines fresh ingredients to give you the most refreshing and delicious drink that is great for any occasion!
History of the Mojito
The Mojito is Cuba’s signature drink. Next to cigars, it is one of the most popular exports. Similar to many drinks the mojito originated from the high seas. Mint, sugar and limes are all indigenous to Cuba. Explorer, Sir Frances Drake, was looking for a way to fight scurvy with his crew in the late 1500’s. While somewhere near Cuba, he came up with the mixture to save his crew. He called it, “aguardiente de cana”, which is translated to English as sugar cane firewater.
Fast forward to 1862 and Barcardi Rum is born! Soon after, this rum became the favored alcohol in the mojito. The modern day mojito has always been a popular drink worldwide. Ernest Hemingway was one of the most prominent fans of the drink while on his frequent trips to Cuba. Many drinks featured in the James Bond movies have instantly become popular as well. In 2002, Pierce Brosnan and Halle Barry, in “Die Another Day”, caused the popularity to soar. Most recently, in 2011 mojito mixes became available in the United States, making it easier than ever to enjoy the mojito.
Classic Mojito Cocktail-Ingredients
Simple syrup, white rum, club soda, fresh mint, fresh lime. Don’t forget the ice!
Crafting the most delicious mojito really requires great, fresh ingredients. This cocktail may take a few extra minutes to put together, but the time is well spent. Fresh mint, limes, sugar (simple syrup), white rum and club soda are all you need. Well, and a highball glass and some ice.
How to make the mojito
- Add mint and lime to the glass: Place 4-6 mint leaves and a lime wedge in a glass.
- Use a muddler: Next, with your muddler, gently press the lime juice from the wedge and muddle the mint leaves. The object is to release the oils and fragrance from the mint leaves, not to beat it to a pulp. If you don’t have a muddler, the back of a wooden spoon will suffice.
- Add ice: Fill the glass with ice.
- Shake and pour: In a shaker filled with ice, combine the simple syrup and rum. Shake for 15 seconds, then pour into the glass.
- Add club soda: Finally, top it off with club soda. Garnish with the rest of the mint and an additional lime wedge. Stir together.
- Enjoy: Cheers!
This classic mojito cocktail is worth every bit of effort needed to make it. Smooth, refreshing and light!
For other great classic cocktails try:
Classic Mojito Cocktail
Equipment
- Drink Shaker
- High Ball Glass
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 oz Lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 cup ice
- 2 oz white rum
- 2 tbsp simple syrup
- club soda splash
- lime slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Place 4-6 mint leaves and a lime wedge in a glass.
- Next, with your muddler, gently press the lime juice from the wedge and muddle the mint leaves. The object is to release the oils and fragrance from the mint leaves, not to beat it to a pulp. If you don't have a muddler, the back of a wooden spoon will suffice.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- In a shaker filled with ice combine the simple syrup and rum. Shake for 15 seconds, then pour into the glass.
- Finally, top it off with club soda. Garnish with the rest of the mint and an additional lime wedge. Stir together.
- Cheers!
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