As relations between the US (Australia) and Cuba thaw, we felt it was the perfect time to reacquaint ourselves with the Mojito – a classic Cuban cocktail.
The Cuban capital, Havana, is birthplace of the Mojito and home to the famous La Bodeguita, a bar where Ernest Hemingway allegedly penned the paean “My mojito in La Bodeguita del Medio, my daiquiri in El Floridita”.
The Mojito is a sweet drink, but with mint and lime it’s refreshing and clean tasting. Although a summer drink, limes and mint are available all year round so there is nothing stopping you from enjoying this drink in any season.
Ingredients:
60 mL white rum
juice of one lime
dash of simple syrup (more or less to taste)
4 freshly plucked mint leaves
60-120 mL soda water
Technique:
In a highball glass, muddle (that is, crush with a pestle) mint leaves in the sugar syrup and lime juice. Add rum, ice and stir. Top with soda water and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Or, shake vigorously with ice all but the soda, and strain into a highball glass with ice. Top with soda and garnish with mint.
Be sure to avoid crushing the stems of the mint. Enjoy this delicious drink & remind yourself of sunny times spent on beautiful beaches.