Mojito

By Thrillist

Published on 6/23/2016 at 3:51 PM

In terms of the Mojito’s history, we know it was invented in Cuba and that’s about it. The most oft-repeated origin story has the Mojito refreshing the 16th century’s most colorful privateer/slaver/admiral/politician Sir Francis Drake. Apparently the captain and his crew were plagued by dysentery and scurvy during their raids on the Spanish New World. In Cuba, they discovered a crude form of rum, lime, sugar and mint and called it a cure (at least for the terrible affliction of sobriety). Like all things regarding colonization of the New World, the reality is likely far more unpleasant. And if you’re curious about the Mojito’s fabled curative powers, bear in mind that Drake died of dysentery in 1596. History lesson aside, the Mojito is a quintessential warm weather cocktail, an invigorating combination of grog and garden served with Caribbean flair.

Mojito

FLAVOR PROFILE
Sweet, Sour
STRENGTH
DIFFICULTY
intermediate

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 oz White Rum
  • .75 oz simple syrup
  • .75 oz lime juice
  • club soda
  • 8 mint

INSTRUCTIONS

Step one

In a shaker tin, muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup.

Step two

Add the rest of the ingredients and shake with ice.

Step three

Strain into a Collins glass using a Hawthorne strainer.

Step four

Add crushed-ice and top with club soda.

Step five

Garnish with a bountiful mint sprig.

Contributed by Supercall

Mix It Up!

In Havana, lemon juice is often used in lieu of lime. If you find our version too sweet, reduce the simple syrup to just 0.5 oz.  For complexity and a bit of flair, build the crushed iced up out of the Collins glass and add Angostura bitters to the ice (think of a snowcone).