It’s the 16th century you’re sailing through the harsh elements of the Atlantic the sea spray blasting through the air the land in the horizon getting closer and closer. To top it all off is a refreshingly sweet minty Mojito. Let the adventure begin.
A mojito is one of the world’s most popular cocktails. The ingredients rum, lime, mint, and sugar can all be found on the island of Cuba. It’s place of origin. Because the rum was harder to acquire it was originally made with aguardiente. Aguardiente was an unrefined version of rum made from sugar cane.
But who made the drink? The story goes that an English sea captain by the name of Sir Francis Drake invented the Mojito. Although it wasn’t called a mojito at the time, it was called “El Draque.” His version was also made with brandy instead of the rum or aguardiente. In our modern era, unaged white rum is the traditional liquor that makes an authentic Mojito.
Using a muddler is required to extract the revitalizing flavors from the mint leaf in a Mojito. While it requires extra effort it is well worth it. The mixing of lime, mint, and ice, yields a drink perfect for the hot summer. But it can also be enjoyed anytime of the year! Next is the recipe!
Mojito Recipe
3 mint leaves
1/2 ounce simple syrup
2 ounces white unaged rum
3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
A spritz of club soda on top
Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel
Steps on How to Make a Mojito
Use a muddler and lightly press on the mint leaves with simple syrup in the shaker.
Add the white rum, lime juice and ice and give it a good quick shake.
Strain the cocktail into a highball glass over fresh ice.
Ed Friedman is the former Instructional Designer and Marketing Strategist at Serving Alcohol, a national leader in responsible alcohol training and certification for bartenders, servers, and hospitality businesses. He created educational content, managed social media marketing, and designed engaging online alcohol certificate courses to meet state compliance standards. Ed also developed Spanish alcohol training for California and Florida, expanding access to state-approved alcohol server certification. His work helped keep Serving Alcohol ranked #1 for alcohol server permits, bartender certification, and alcohol compliance training.
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