Mojito

ABV 16% / 2 alcoholic units

Primary spirit: Rum

A Brief History of the Mojito

The roots of the Mojito trace back to Havana, Cuba, where it was born in the early 16th century. Legend has it that the drink was initially consumed for its medicinal properties, combining the healing powers of mint with the alcohol's antiseptic properties. Over time, the Mojito evolved into a beloved cocktail, enjoyed by locals and travellers alike.

Flavour

The Mojito is a symphony of flavours that dance on your palate. It's known for its refreshing and vibrant taste, combining the crispness of fresh lime, the subtle sweetness of sugar, the herbal freshness of mint, and the spirited kick of white rum.

The result is a balanced and invigorating cocktail that's both sweet and tart, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a taste of the tropics.

Food Pairings

Mojitos are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes, especially those with vibrant and fresh flavours:

• Cuban Cuisine: Enjoy your Mojito with classic Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja, Cuban Sandwiches, or Tostones (fried green plantains).

• Seafood: The Mojito's citrusy notes complement seafood beautifully. Try it with ceviche, grilled shrimp, or fish tacos.

• Salads: Mojitos are a fantastic accompaniment to fresh, crisp salads, such as a citrusy arugula salad or a mango and avocado salad.

• Spicy Foods: The refreshing qualities of a Mojito help cool the heat of spicy dishes like Mexican or Thai cuisine.

Difficulty rating - Moderate

Slightly labour intensive due to the muddling of fresh mint leaves and lime with sugar. This offers several benefits by releasing essential oils, improving the citrus aroma and balancing the citrus flavour throughout the cocktail. Traditionalists will use Cuban rum but choose a crisp white rum that pairs well with mint and lime. Ultimately, the "best" rum for your Mojito is the one that suits your taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of rum to find the flavor profile that you enjoy the most.

Bar Equipment

• Bar spoon
• Muddler, mixing glass/tin and sieve
• Highball glass
• Jigger

Recipe

• 50ml white rum
• 10g granulated sugar/15ml sugar syrup*
• ½ a lime
• 4 mint leaves
• Soda top
• 1 x dash of Angostura bitters
• Ice
• Garnish: lime wheel and mint sprig

Method

• Quarter the ½ lime and add to the mixing glass with the sugar (or syrup) and mint. Muddle for 20 seconds
• Add the rum and muddle for a further 20 seconds
• Add 3 - 4 ice cubes and muddle for a further 20 seconds
• Top with ice and soda, lightly stir
• Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of mint
• Optional dash of Angostura bitters

*Sugar syrup - 1 part sugar to one part water. Gently heat in a pan until sugar has dissolved and allow to cool

What is the best Rum for a Mojito?

Choosing the best rum for a Mojito depends on your personal taste preferences, but traditionally, light or silver rum is the preferred choice for this refreshing cocktail. Here's why light rum is often recommended for Mojitos:

• Neutral Flavour: Light rum, also known as white or silver rum, has a relatively neutral flavour compared to darker, aged rums. This neutrality allows the other key ingredients in a Mojito, such as fresh mint and lime juice, to shine through without overpowering the cocktail with strong rum notes.

• Crisp and Clean: Light rum has a clean and crisp profile, which pairs well with the fresh and citrusy components of a Mojito. It provides a smooth and refreshing base for the cocktail.

• Versatility: Light rum is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of cocktails, making it a staple in most home bars. This versatility makes it a practical choice for Mojitos and other mixed drinks.

• Historical Authenticity: The classic Mojito, as it originated in Cuba, traditionally used light rum. Using light rum in your Mojito pays homage to its historical roots and the original flavor profile intended for the cocktail.

While light rum is the traditional choice, there's room for experimentation and personalisation in cocktail making. Some individuals may prefer the added complexity and depth that a slightly aged or gold rum brings to a Mojito. If you enjoy a richer, more robust flavor in your Mojito, you can certainly try using a gold rum. Just keep in mind that it may alter the cocktail's overall taste compared to the classic version.

Whether you choose light rum for its neutrality and authenticity or opt for another variety to add a unique twist, the key to a great Mojito lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients and balanced proportions.