Classic Mojito

As with most classic cocktails, the origin of the mojito is widely debated but without question, its roots began in Cuba many years ago and the mojito continues to be a quintessential favorite around the globe. In the summer, truth be told, there is nothing more refreshing than a mojito. I’m a big fan of this refreshing mint cooler, but my preference is for a tarter, less sweet one.

The most widely believed story about the creation of mojitos credits an English explorer, Sir Francis Drake, for discovering the drink mixture as a cure for his ship’s dysentery and scurvy after docking in Havana. This “antidote”, made using crude rum, lime, sugar cane juice, and mint is what became the first known Mojito recipe.

Following Drake and his crew, the early mojito mixture was also used by African slaves who were working on sugar plantations. But, instead of curing ancient disease it was drank to lessen the awful taste of the rum they had.

Mojito Fun Facts

• Mojitos come from Cuba and pairs perfectly with authentic Cuban cuisine.
• Earnest Hemingway was a big mojito fan, a drink he discovered while living in Cuba.
• The mojito is one of the oldest mixed drinks around. While the exact history of this cocktail is unclear, it is estimated that it first originated in the 1500s.
• The name has roots in African language. “mojito” comes from the word “mojo” which means “talisman” or “magic charm”. Some believe that the name actually came from African slaves who worked in Cuba.
• The mojito was used for medicinal purposes to treat scurvy and dysentery.
• You can thank James Bond for their recent resurgence in popularity. In the 2002 movie Die Another Day, James Bond and Jinx enjoy a mojito beachside. This famous Halle Berry and Pierce Brosnan scene helped bring this drink back in terms of popularity.
• Mojitos are very popular in the United States but they are also very popular in Poland and Great Britain.
• There are special mojito ice cubes. These special drink cubes that are made of water, sugar and lime juice that will help keep the flavor of the mojitos in-tact and not watered down.

Let’s face it, it’s been a very long six months of dealing with COVID. Continue to take care of yourself and others. And for your sanity, keep these simple ingredients on-hand, so you  can whip up a refreshing batch of mojitos when needed.