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Published on by Jamie Silva
If you’re looking for a Cuban mojito co*cktail, you’ve come to the right place!
An authentic Cuban mojito tastes refreshingly sweet, minty-fresh, and citrusy. It’s basically summer in a glass!
What is a Mojito?
A mojito is a classic Cuban highball co*cktail served on the rocks (over ice) made of white rum, real cane sugar, lime juice, club soda, and fresh mint. All the flavors complement the rum so well.
It is said that the name originates from the name “mojo” which is a Cuban citrus marinade used for several Cuban dishes.
The Origin of the Cuban Mojito
Some argue that the popular drink originated in Puerto Rico while others say it originated in Cuba yet the details are unclear.
One theory says that Sir Francis Drake invented the mojito and named it “El Draque” after himself. Another theory says that African slaves who worked in Cuban sugar cane fields during the 19th century discovered Guarapo, a sugar cane juice, which contributed to the creation of mojitos.
It is also said that Ernest Hemingway enjoyed the drink as a regular of the bar, La Bodeguita del Medio, in Havana Cuba, writing “My mojito in La Bodeguita, MydaiquiriinEl Floridita” on the wall of the bar.
No matter how mojitos gained their popularity, one thing remained the same, mint, sugar, and lime were always the stars of the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cuban rum. To make an authentic Cuban mojito, I recommend using a light aged white rum like Havana Club 3 Años which is made with sugarcane molasses and Caribbean rum. Make sure the rum is at room temperature so the sugar dissolves easily.
- Fresh mint leaves. When you muddle the 4 mint sprigs in each glass, the minty aroma will fill the air! I also add more into the glass as garnish.
- White cane sugar. Some recipes call for simple syrup but I prefer using cane sugar. If you plan on using simple syrup instead of white sugar, use a co*cktail shaker.
- Fresh lime. Don’t get the bottled stuff, use fresh limes for both the lime juice and use lime slices/wedges as garnish.
- Club soda. We’re using this to top off the drink. You can also use sparkling water if you prefer.
How To Make a Cuban Mojito
- Dissolve the sugar. In a highball glass, add the cane sugar and lime juice. Gently stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Muddle the mint. Add the mint leaves to the bottom of the glass. Gently muddle the mint with a muddler until the leaves release their oils (you’ll smell it!).
- Add in the rum. Pour in the white rum and stir to combine with the lime, sugar, and mint.
- Top with club soda. Fill the glass with ice then top off the drink with club soda. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime wedges/slices.
You may also like:
- Coconut Mojito Recipe
- Cuba Libre Drink
- Guava Coconut Lime Margarita
- Cuban Old Fashioned co*cktail
Classic Cuban Mojito Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes
By: Jamie Silva
This classic Cuban mojito is a refreshingly sweet, minty, and citrusy co*cktail made with mint leaves, cane sugar, Cuban white rum, and fresh lime. Just 5 ingredients and so easy to make!
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American, Cuban
Servings 1 drink
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon white cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 6 mint leaves plus more for garnish
- 2 ounces Cuban white rum room temperature
- 4 ounces Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lime slices for garnish
Instructions
In a highball glass, add the cane sugar and lime juice. Gently stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the mint leaves to the bottom of the glass. Gently muddle the mint leaves with a muddler until the mint leaves release their oils (you'll smell it!).
Pour in the white rum and stir to combine with the lime, sugar, and mint.
Fill the glass with ice then top off the drink with club soda.
Garnish with mint sprigs and lime wedges/slices.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 drinkCalories: 172 kcalCarbohydrates: 11 gProtein: 1 gFat: 1 gSaturated Fat: 1 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1 gSodium: 2 mgPotassium: 59 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 8 gVitamin A: 185 IUVitamin C: 10 mgCalcium: 14 mgIron: 1 mg
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JAMIE SILVA
Miami native, first-generation Cuban-American, and the founder, recipe developer, and food photographer behind A Sassy Spoon. Since 2016, Jamie has been developing recipes inspired by her rich Cuban heritage and Latin-inspired recipes influenced by her hometown of Miami.
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