Mojito

Mojito (pronounced moh-HEE-toh) is a delicious, refreshing drink with mint and lime which compliments the taste of rum. Mojito has been a favorite drink of ours for a number of years and my husband and I never tire of it. Cuba is the birthplace of the mojito, although the exact origin of this classic cocktail is the subject of debate. One story traces the mojito to a similar 16th century drink, the “El Draque,” in honor of Sir Francis Drake. It was made with tafia/aguardiente, a primitive predecessor of rum. Mint, lime and sugar were possibly used to hide the harsh taste.

Serves 1
recipe from Cooking With Booze

1/2 lime, cut into quarters
3 sprigs fresh mint
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 oz. amber rum
Soda

Squeeze juice from lime quarters into an old-fashioned glass. Toss in lime quarters, sugar and mint and muddle with the end of a wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved. Add ice and rum and top with soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime, if desired.

The Culinary Chase’s Note: The mint leaves should only be bruised to release the essential oils and must not be shredded. I don’t have a muddler so instead, I used a small, wooden rolling pin with flat ends. Muddling releases the natural oils from citrus fruits and herbs. The sugar also helps with the muddling but be careful not to over muddle or the mint will be pulverized and get stuck in your teeth (not a pretty picture!). Not enough muddling and the oils are not released resulting in a less flavorful drink.