This mojito is Cuba’s answer to the mint julep — perfect on a hot summer day. Mojitos have been around since at least the mid-1800s. They were reputedly one of Hemingway’s favorite drinks. According to a quote attributed to him, those at “La Bodeguita” bar in Havana were the best.
Mojitos
Course: Beverages, AlcoholicCuisine: CubaThis mojito is Cuba’s answer to the mint julep — perfect on a hot summer day. Mojitos have been around since at least the mid-1800s.
Ingredients
Sugar — 1 cup
Water — 1 cup
Mint, stems removed from half — 1 bunch
Limes, juice only — 6 to 8
Rum, light or dark — 1/2 of a 750-ml bottle
Club soda — 1 liter
Directions
- Add the sugar, water and destemmed mint to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved completely. Set aside to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove and discard the mint leaves and strain the syrup into a pitcher. Add the lime juice and as much rum as you like. Chill well.
- Just before serving, stir in the club soda. Serve immediately over ice in cocktail glasses. Garnish with the remaining mint sprigs.
Mojito Notes and Variations
- To make individual portions: Eliminate the mint from the simple syrup and instead lightly crush some mint leaves in each glass. Add crushed ice, juice of one lime, 2 ounces of simple syrup and 2 to 3 ounces of rum. Top off with a splash or more of club soda, stir, and garnish with a lime wedge and a fresh sprig of mint.
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