Mojito
The Mojito is a world-renowned classic cocktail that originated in Cuba, famous for its perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and herbaceous mint flavors. This refreshing highball is a delightful combination of white rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, muddled mint leaves, and a splash of sparkling soda water. Served over ice in a tall glass, it's the quintessential summer drink, beloved for its invigorating and crisp character. Its simplicity in ingredients belies a complexity of taste that has made it a favorite across the globe.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Mojito is classified as a classic cocktail and belongs to the 'Highball' family of drinks. It is characterized by a spirit base topped with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer. It is celebrated for its refreshing qualities, making it a quintessential long drink.
Serving
This is a cold, moderately alcoholic drink served in a tall Highball glass, making it a refreshing long drink.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass (optional)
Backstory
The Mojito's origins trace back to 16th-century Cuba, where an early version was said to be a remedy for scurvy for sailors. It's famously associated with the author Ernest Hemingway, who was a frequent patron of La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, a bar that claims to be the drink's birthplace. The modern version gained international popularity in the 20th century.
Origin
Havana, Cuba. The modern version is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, with roots dating back to the 16th century.
Mojito
The name 'Mojito' is universally recognized and does not have common alternative names. It's sometimes referred to as the 'Cuban Mojito' to emphasize its origin. The name itself is thought to derive from the Spanish word 'mojar' (to wet) or from 'mojo', a Cuban lime-based seasoning.
Original name
Mojito
Characteristics overview
The Mojito offers a refreshing burst of mint and lime aroma and flavor, balanced perfectly between sweet and sour. It has a light, bubbly texture and a clean, crisp aftertaste, making it an ideal summer beverage.
Flavor
Minty, sweet, citrusy, refreshing, zesty
Aroma
Fresh mint, lime zest, sweet rum
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering mint
Fizziness
Lightly sparkling, bubbly
Color appearance
Cloudy pale green, translucent, with green mint leaves
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Very refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Mojito presents a balanced flavor profile, with moderate sweetness and sourness from sugar and lime. It has a noticeable alcohol presence and light carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need white rum as the base, complemented by fresh mint leaves, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sugar. The drink is topped with chilled soda water for a refreshing fizz.
- White Rum60 ml / 2 ozA good quality Cuban-style rum is recommended.
- Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 ozMust be freshly squeezed for the best taste.
- Fresh Mint Leaves6-8 leavesSpearmint (yerba buena) is the traditional choice.
- Sugar2 teaspoonsSuperfine sugar dissolves best, or use simple syrup (15 ml / 0.5 oz).
- Soda WaterTop up (approx. 60 ml / 2 oz)Chilled soda water or club soda works best.
Ice type
- Crushed ice or Cubed ice
Mixing equipments
The essential tools are a muddler to gently bruise the mint and a long bar spoon to stir the ingredients in the glass.
- Muddler for pressing the mint and lime to release their oils and juice.
- Bar spoon for stirring the ingredients together.
Instructions
The process involves gently muddling mint, sugar, and lime in a glass, then adding ice, rum, and soda water. A final stir and garnish complete this refreshing cocktail.
1. Place the mint leaves and sugar into a sturdy Highball glass.
2. Add the fresh lime juice and gently muddle the ingredients. Press just enough to release the mint's oils, but do not shred the leaves.
3. Fill the glass with crushed or cubed ice.
4. Pour the white rum over the ice.
5. Top up with soda water.
6. Gently stir from the bottom with a bar spoon to mix the ingredients and lift the mint leaves.
7. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge.
Garnishing
Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint to enhance the aroma and a lime wedge or wheel for a classic, appealing look.
- Mint sprig: Slap it gently before placing it in the glass to release its aroma.
- Lime wedge or wheel: Place it on the rim of the glass or inside the drink.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is also caffeine-free, vegetarian, and vegan (when using vegan-friendly sugar).
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A standard Mojito is relatively low in calories, containing around 170 kcal per serving. Its carbohydrate and sugar content comes primarily from the added sugar and a small amount from the lime juice.
Calories
Approximately 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 12-15 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
The Mojito is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, beach gatherings, or a casual afternoon drink. Its refreshing nature makes it a popular choice for social events and outdoor celebrations.
- Summer party
- Beach vacation
- Social gathering
- Casual drink
Pairing suggestions
The Mojito's refreshing and citrusy profile pairs wonderfully with light, summery foods like seafood, ceviche, and salads. It also complements the flavors of Cuban cuisine and can balance the heat of spicy dishes. Salty snacks are another excellent companion.
- Light appetizers like ceviche or shrimp skewers.
- Cuban food, such as grilled pork or plantain chips.
- Salty snacks like chips and salsa.
- Spicy dishes, as the mint provides a cooling contrast.
The Mojito: A Refreshing Taste of Cuban History
The Mojito is a quintessential classic Cuban cocktail, celebrated for its invigorating blend of fresh mint, zesty lime, sweet sugar, and crisp white rum, all topped with a splash of soda. Its origins are steeped in Cuban history, with ties to sailors and famed author Ernest Hemingway. Easy to prepare yet complex in flavor, it stands as a globally beloved symbol of summer and refreshment. Served tall over ice, it's the perfect drink for social gatherings, warm evenings, and any occasion calling for a cool, classic beverage.