The Mojito is simple but just exotic enough to be interesting. We think the mint pushes it over the edge of “basic.”
It’s a much older cocktail than most would expect. Like anything old, origin information and due credit are rarely absolute or universally agreed upon.
The Mojito seems to have evolved from a 16th-century medicinal drink. With lime believed to be a remedy for scurvy and dysentery encountered at sea, it makes sense that Sir Francis Drake’s crews are credited with creating the first version. It was known as the “El Draque” and consisted of aguardiente de caña (an early version of rum), sugar, lime, and mint.
BTW, Drake was in Cuba to steal gold, so he and his crew deserved the scurvy and dysentery.
Also known as “The Pirates’ Cure,” this version involves the same blend of aguardiente de caña, lime, sugar, and mint – it’s almost a Mojito. Like the El Draque, it helped combat tropical diseases and may have put a few smiles on some faces.
The drink gradually evolved, incorporating local ingredients and refining its flavor profile. By the 1900s, the Mojito was a staple in Havana, and it was introduced to thousands of visitors.
Bacardi Rum played a large part in the rise in popularity of the drink. Bacardi replaced aguardiente with rum and may have been responsible for changing the name to Mojito. Some say that the Mint Julep and the Cuban bar culture during prohibition (1930s) led to the creation of the Mojito.
The cocktail soared in the mid-20th century due in large part to Bacardi’s expanding operations and influence. A bartender, Rafael ‘Pappy’ Valiente, and the many American escapees of prohibition also deserve credit for the cocktail’s increase in popularity.
Ernest Hemingway definitely played a part in the global adoption of the Mojito, but not how most think. The claim that the Mojito was his favorite drink isn’t valid. It was only a marketing ploy devised in the 1950s by the owners of the La Bodequita del Medio bar in Havana. Regardless, the lie stuck and became a legend.
This is a simpler version with rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and maraschino liqueur. This almost sounds like a Sugar Lounge Signature Cocktail.
Just replace the simple syrup with elderflower liqueur for a floral twist.
This has a few jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Add a splash of pineapple juice, or you can add a few chunks of pineapple to the muddling process, or both.
Blueberries in a Mojito sounds tasty! Muddle some fresh blueberries with the mint and sugar. You may have to experiment for the best ratio.
The Strawberry Mojito is almost an accepted classic — muddle fresh strawberries with mint and sugar.
