Nothing says summer in the Caribbean like a mojito. This refreshing Cuban drink is the perfect beverage for any Latin American or Caribbean fiesta.
History
The story of the mojito is the story of pirates, plunder, and the pursuit of treasure.
English corsair, Sir Francis Drake, on his quest for the fountain of youth, was encouraged to sack and plunder Spanish cities in the new world by Queen Elizabeth I.
One of Francis Drake’s subordinates, Richard Drake, came up with a cocktail that he spread to all of the sacked cities throughout the Caribbean. His cocktail, the Draque, is the precursor to the mojito. This was thought to be a medicinal drink that helped pirates stave off scurvy. Locals would consume it as a cure to many ailments and diseases that were so common at the time.
The Draque evolved into the mojito when the founder of Bacardi rum substituted the original aquardiente liquor with light rum.
After colonial imperialism, the popularity of this drink was further increased by Hemingway’s writings of life in Cuba.
This recipe is for a classic mojito. You can substitute the light rum for a flavored rum and add various other fruit garnishes. While many of the variations are refreshing, there is something about the original that cannot be beat.
Ingredients:
- 5-10 fresh mint leaves (used dried and you’ll not be loving life)
- 2 Tablespoons of cane sugar (it’s important to use cane sugar because it is coarser and invokes Cuba’s great export: sugar cane)
- 3 oz. light rum (Do not worry about being a little heavy with the booze in this guy.)
- Juice of 1 lime, or two key limes
- Club soda
- Ice
Procedure
- Tear the mint into a highball glass.
- Add sugar and lime juice.
- Mash with a pestle. There are special mojito pestles available in Latin markets. Nice touch, but the butt end of a wooden spoon is how Richard Drake did it.
- Fill glass with ice. Don’t be shy with the ice!
- Add rum and club soda. Stir.
- Serve with a spring of mint and slice of lime for garnish. Drake also served his original Draque with the wooden spoon.
The name ‘mojito’ comes from the African word ‘mojo’ which means to place a little spell on. This is the perfect way to place a little spell on your guests at your next fiesta.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may want to check out another Latin beverages like sangrita or micheladas.
Both these drinks go great with nachos and guacamole for your next Latin fiesta!
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