The Mojito is a popular Cuban cocktail, composed of rum, sugar (or sugar cane juice), lime, mint and sparkling water.
The invention of the Mojito drink is commonly related to the Cuban restaurant “La Bodeguita del Medio” during the period in which dry law was enforced in America, and therefore, whoever wanted to drink alcoholic beverages legally had to go to Cuba.
Many Americans used to drink a similar cocktail but made of Bourbon. Since that spirit was not available in the Caribbean, it was replaced by white rum. Originally, a part of tequila was added, and is still served this way in some places in Mexico.
The traditional Cuban drink is the Mojito. The predecessor drink was “El Draque” but differed from the mojito since it had cane liquor instead of rum.
Hemingway was the in charge of making this drink popular worldwide, as well as daikiris, since he used to drink his mojitos in bars like Floridita in Cuba and La Bodeguita del Medio. In Floridita there is still a plate honoring him.
There are different options to prepare the Mojito, the following is a recommended method.
Use a glass, preferably a short wide one. Put the mint leaves inside. Add the sugar and crush with a muddler, let it soak for a few minutes.
It is really important to mash gently the mint leaves to release the scent for the distinctive fresh taste of this cocktail. This is one of the best kept secrets of mojito.
For achieving a traditional Cuban Mojito appearance, garnish the cocktail with mint leaves and serve it with a straw.
On a side note, we take to try the best Cuban Mojito in town! on our Miami Food Tours
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