Mojito

Instructions

1. Place the mint leaves and simple syrup into a sturdy highball glass or shaker.

2. Gently muddle the mint leaves just enough to release their oils – avoid shredding them.

3. Add the white rum and fresh lime juice to the mixture.

4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake well until thoroughly chilled (if using a shaker). If building in the glass, add crushed ice.

5. If shaken, strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh crushed ice. If built in the glass, stir well.

6. Top up the glass with soda water.

7. Gently stir once more to combine.

8. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge.

Trivia

• What is the best rum for a Mojito?

  A good quality white rum (also known as light or silver rum) is traditionally used for Mojitos. Its clean and light flavour profile allows the mint and lime to shine through. Cuban rums like Havana Club Añejo 3 Años are classic choices, but any quality white rum you enjoy will work well.

• Can I make a Mojito without a muddler?

  Yes, if you don't have a muddler, you can gently press the mint leaves against the side of the glass using the back of a sturdy spoon. The goal is to bruise the leaves slightly to release their essential oils, not to pulverize them.

• What's the difference between using simple syrup and sugar in a Mojito?

  Simple syrup (a 1:1 mixture of sugar and water, heated until dissolved and then cooled) integrates more easily into the cold drink, ensuring consistent sweetness. Using granulated sugar requires more thorough muddling and stirring to dissolve completely, otherwise, you might end up with gritty sugar at the bottom.

• Where did the Mojito originate?

  The Mojito hails from Havana, Cuba. While its exact origins are debated, one popular theory links it to a 16th-century drink called El Draque, named after Sir Francis Drake. The modern Mojito gained popularity in the early 20th century and became famously associated with bars like La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana.

• How can I customize my Mojito?

  Mojitos are wonderfully versatile! You can customize them by adding muddled fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or mango for a fruity twist. You can also experiment with different types of rum (like aged rum for more depth), swap simple syrup for agave nectar, or add a dash of Angostura bitters for complexity.

• Why are Mojitos served in a highball glass?

  The tall, slender shape of a highball glass is ideal for accommodating the muddled mint, rum, lime, crushed ice, and soda water top. It allows ample space for the ingredients and ice while showcasing the vibrant green mint leaves suspended in the bubbly drink.