Mojito

MOJITO

    Ernest Hemingway's favorite cocktail was the Mojito, and history says that he even made a bar called La Bodeguita del Medio famous and even wrote "My Mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita" in honor of this cocktail.  The Mojito may be one of the most recognized cocktails in the world because of its fragrance and look.  The orgin of the Mojito is not 100% clear but seeing that Havana, Cuba is the birthplace of the Mojito, the one I most believe and sounds most accurate is that the name Mojito stems from the word Mojo (which is a Cuban seasoning made from lime and is used to flavor dishes).  Now that you have a little knowledge of the history of the Mojito, I would love to show you what you need to recreate this amazing cocktail.

    The first thing you will need is a good White Rum, personally I enjoy Journeymans Roads End Rum (if your aren't able to get this rum, there are plenty of nice affordable rums such as Captain Morgans White Rum or Bacardi White Rum).  Now that we have our Rum we need to focus on the important ingredients, MINT.  I can not stress enough on the importance of great quality mint, (if mint is out of season then you probably shouldn't be drinking Mojitos).  The fresher the mint the better quality cocktail you will have.  You will also need simple syrup (my blog on how to make really good and easy simple syrup will be coming soon).  And finally, you will need FRESH lime juice. (Never use that shitty lime juice you buy in a bottle named after a flower).  

    Now you are ready for the recipe that will change your Mojito tastebuds forever.

• 2oz of your favorite White Rum

• 1/2 fresh lime juiced

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• 6 Fresh mint leaves

• Soda water (to top cocktail)

    In a highball glass (I use highballs because it is visually more appealing), rim the top with a piece of mint.  Slap your mint leaves (you do this because just tossing them in the cocktail doesn't do anything, slapping them releases the lovely mint aroma) add the mint, lime juice, and simple syrup into highball glass.  Now muddle lightly to help release even more mint oils. (A light muddle is all you need, you don't want to shred the mint just bring out the oils.) Now, add your ice and White Rum, pour cocktail into shaker and shake 5 times (you always shake cocktails that have citrus to help take off the bitter lime face most of us make).  Pour cocktail back into highball, re-ice and top with soda water.  You are now ready to enter a state of pure joy.... ENJOY and share with your friends at your next summer event.