Mojito (pronounced [moh-HEE-toh]) is a traditional Cuban drink cocktail that became very popular during the late 1980s, but has seen resurgence in popularity in recent years.
The mojito is traditionally made of five ingredients: rum, powdered sugar, lime juice, club soda, and mint. Its combination of sweetness and refreshing citrus and mint flavors tend to mask the potent kick of the rum so be careful.
The mojito is once again considered a highly fashionable drink. Its popularity resurgence is evidenced by its prominent role in recent Bacardi rum advertisements as well as being featured in several current television shows and movies.
There are countless recipes for the mojito, but this is the version for the one Hemingway himself enjoyed at the mojito's place of birth - La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana, Cuba.?
Here is how to make a mojito with readily obtained ingredients:
1 teaspoon - powdered sugar
2 ounces ? lime juice or juice from one lime
4 or 5 mint leaves
1 sprig of mint
2 ounces - white rum
2 ounces - club soda
First, place the mint leaves at the bottom of a long mojito glass or collins glass and pour or squeeze the lime juice over it.? Add the powdered sugar and gently smash the mint into the lime juice and sugar with a wooden muddler.? Add crushed ice, rum, club soda in that order and stir.? Garnish with the mint sprig.
The above isn't the original mojito recipe born out of Bodeguita del Medio, Cuba, but is close using ingredients you can get at the local supermarket and liquor store. For a more authentic mojito, some people will take half of the juiced lime and cut into wedges to garnish the glass.? Another variation is to add Angostura bitters to dilute the mojito's sweetness, which is a popular version in Havana hotels although not the true Bodeguita recipe.? Some Cubans also use guarapo, which is sugar cane syrup, instead of the powdered sugar.
If you are throwing a Cuban or Havana night themed party, be prepared to serve mojitos - a true Cuban drink!?
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