The most popular cocktail
From Paris to Nosy-Be, from New York to Papeete, from London to Fort-de-France, the mojito is today the most popular cocktail in the world. In France alone, nearly a third of cocktail orders concern this preparation of Cuban origin. In its country of origin, the mojito has even obtained the status of national cocktail since 1920.
Although its origins date back to the 16th century when the explorer and conqueror Francis Drake enjoyed tafia mixed with mint leaves, its recipe as we know it today was born during the American prohibition that favored the boom of Cuban bars. It is largely inspired by the mint julep, a cocktail from the southern United States that is composed of American whiskey (bourbon), mint and sugar to which water is added.
It was in the Havana bar La Bodeguita del Medio that the mojito was conceived.
The real mojito recipe
The mojito is a long drink. To make a glass, you will need:
- 4 cl of white rum, preferably Cuban, such as Caney Carta Blanca , Legendario Añejo Blanco , or Havana Club 3 years old , which have the particularity of having spent several years in barrels and being very aromatic.
- About ten fresh mint leaves for preparation, and possibly another small leaf for presentation.
- The juice of half a lime, of the lime variety
- 2 tablespoons of sugar, or cane syrup
- 8 cl of sparkling water
- 4 crushed ice cubes
Start by putting the sugar in the glass before adding the carefully washed mint leaves and the juice of half a lime. Crush everything delicately with a pestle before adding the rum and sparkling water. Mix the preparation for 8 to 10 seconds and add the crushed ice. Make sure that the ice prevents the rum from rising so that all its aroma can diffuse throughout the preparation.
Serve the mojito with a straw, garnishing it with a mint leaf on the rim and remember to drink responsibly.
Some variations to know
The mojito criollo is based on the original recipe, but is enhanced with a few drops of Angostura bitters, which are preferably added after the rum.
By replacing the sparkling water with champagne, you will have a royal mojito, perfect for big evenings.
And for drivers and those who do not drink alcohol, the virgin mojito is served without the shot of white rum.
Olivier, from the Rhum Attitude team
