The taste of mojito (pronounced: mohito or mochito) is probably familiar to every party lover! This refreshing, sweet-and-sour, and mood-boosting sunny drink is worth preparing in several versions during this year's carnival. From Cuban classic, through various flavor variants, to non-alcoholic mojito – how to prepare and serve it with class? Where did this cocktail come from in the first place and how did it become so popular worldwide? Finally – how to prepare the perfect mojito?
A Drink with a Cuban Vibe
It quenches thirst like no other. Both women and men love it. It's perfect for formal receptions and fun with friends. Refreshing, sweet, smelling of summer – the answer to the question "What is mojito?" is simple – it's the best summer drink in the world!
Apparently, this minty cocktail is over 400 years old. It originated in Cuba – no wonder its taste evokes images of sunny beaches and the sound of the Caribbean Sea. Legends say that mojito evolved from a drink enjoyed by English privateers, including the famous Captain Drake – sugarcane rum combined with sugar and citrus. Other historians, however, claim that Cuban slaves drank something similar.
The basis of mojito – ingredients very similar to those found in one of the original cocktails – is rum, lime, sugar, and mint. Based on this traditional recipe, the drink is served in Central and South America at almost every turn. There are also many variations of this drink, including non-alcoholic mojito, known as "virgin," or strawberry mojito.
Now that you know a little about mojito - what it is and where it comes from – it's worth learning how to prepare and serve it! How to do it with class, enjoying its full taste and aroma?
Serving Mojito
Although the drink is very popular – and has been for centuries – there is no universal mojito glass. However, specific glass models are usually used for drinking it: tall, voluminous "long" glasses with thick walls. Those from the "Blended," "Mixology," "Legend," or "Glamour" series will be ideal. Thanks to this type of shape, a lot of ice will fit in the vessel, and the menthol oil from the squeezed mint will mix evenly with the entire content.
It is important that the glass is clear. This allows all the colorful additions to be seen. The vessel should also be made of thick glass that maintains a low temperature inside for a long time. This will ensure that the ice chills the cocktail instead of quickly melting and watering it down. Especially on warm days, mojito can also be served in a glass resembling those for long drinks, but with a short stem. Holding the vessel by the stem rather than the bowl will also slow down the ice melting process.
The recipe for an original mojito is quite simple, and this holiday cocktail is easy to make at home. It's also worth learning the recipe for at least one of the flavored and non-alcoholic varieties. Serving them at your next party will surely put a smile on all your guests' faces!
The Best Mojito Recipes
You don't need great bartending skills to prepare a mojito. You also don't need any special equipment – just a long latte spoon and appropriate glasses.
Before the party where the cocktail is to be served, it's a good idea to prepare a lot of ice cubes, which can be crushed in a blender before serving. Mint in a pot or freshly cut from the garden will also be essential. Rum – white rum is a must – and other liquid ingredients should be chilled in the refrigerator or even in the freezer. Fruits should be washed, and citrus fruits thoroughly scrubbed. White sugar can be used in all recipes, but cane sugar best enhances the taste of rum.
Mojito glasses can be decorated even before preparing drinks in them. To do this, squeeze lime juice onto one plate and pour sugar onto another. Then, dip the rim of the glass first in the juice, then in the sugar. This will create an attractive crust and improve the final taste. It's also a good idea to chill the prepared glass in the refrigerator.
Recipe for Classic Mojito
To prepare MOJITO, you will need:
- 50 ml white rum;
- Half a lime + a quarter for garnish;
- 2 teaspoons cane sugar;
- Several mint leaves;
- 25 ml sparkling water;
- Crushed ice.
Scrub the lime, cut it into quarters, and place it in a long drink glass. Cover with sugar and muddle thoroughly. Then add the mint leaves and muddle again. Add ice to half the height of the glass, then rum, and then more ice. Stir. Top with sparkling water and mix gently. Garnish the glass with lime and mint leaves.
Recipe for Non-Alcoholic Mojito Virgin
To prepare MOJITO VIRGIN, you will need:
- 50 ml freshly squeezed lime juice;
- One tablespoon of liquid wildflower honey or honey with freeze-dried lemon;
- 6-7 mint leaves;
- 150 ml sparkling water;
- 10 ice cubes.
Muddle the lime juice with mint until the leaves release their oil. Add honey and stir again. Transfer half of the ice to the glass with the previously prepared crust and pour in all the sparkling water, stirring again. Add the remaining ice. Serve the drink chilled.
Recipe for Strawberry Mojito
To prepare STRAWBERRY MOJITO, you will need:
- 50 ml white rum;
- 1 lime;
- 6 juicy fresh strawberries or 6 frozen strawberries;
- 1 teaspoon cane sugar;
- Several mint leaves;
- 25 ml sparkling water;
- 10 ice cubes.
Crush the strawberries in a blender – either crush them if frozen or make a thick purée if fresh. Add rum and blend for a few more seconds. Divide the lime into quarters, place in a glass – cover with sugar, add mint, and muddle until the ingredients release their juices. Transfer ice to the glass, pour in the strawberries with rum, and top with sparkling water. Stir again. Garnish the rim of the glass with mint and lime or strawberry pieces.