July 11th is National Mojito Day! Mojitos, the delicious but rather laborious cocktail, usually consists of five ingredients: lime, cane syrup, rum, soda water and mint and served in a highball glass. Cuba is where it was invented, but exactly who invented is a bit murky.
Two Versions of the Mojito Origin
Some say it was came from the local South American Indians in Havana when English explorer Francis Drake went ashore looking for a remedy to stave off dysentery and scurvy among the crew. He returned with aquardiente de caña (a crude form of rum aka fire water from sugar cane) and local tropical ingredients. Yes, a cocktail did cure the diseases on the ship, but of course, just drinking lime juice would have worked as well.
Others credit the African slaves who worked in the Cuban sugar cane fields during the 19th century as creators of the cocktails. Guarapo, the sugar cane juice often used in Mojitos, was a popular drink amongst the slaves.
One thing is for certain, it was one of the Ernest Hemingway’s favorite cocktails.
Making A Mojito
Get ready to roll up your sleeves as this takes some muscle to muddle the mint, lime and syrup together. After that, the drink is very simple to make. Mojitos really are one the most perfect summertime party drinks – it’s pretty, refreshing and not too boozy. You can either stick to the basic recipe or add pretty much any combination of fruit to it.
Here’s one of my favorite (and most beautiful) mojito recipes:
Blueberry Lavender Mojito
– 8-10 mint leaves
– 1 1/2 parts BACARDI® Superior Rum
– 1 oz. lavender syrup
– 1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
– 10-12 blueberries
– Pinch of ground Cardamom
– Club soda
In tall glass, muddle mint leaves, Lavender syrup, lime juice, blueberries, pinch of ground cardamom and rum. Muddle just enough to combine flavors, being careful not to over-muddle. Fill glass with crushed ice. Top with club soda. Stir. Garnish with blueberries on a cocktail pick.
Photo and recipe via Daydream Kitchen
Happy National Mojito Day!