Mojito
The Mojito is summer in a glass. A vibrant and supremely refreshing Cuban classic, it’s a perfect dance of sweet, citrus, and herbaceous mint that has made it one of the most beloved rum cocktails in the world.
Ingredients
- 2 oz White Rum
- 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 2 tsp Superfine Sugar (or ¾ oz simple syrup)
- 6-8 Fresh Mint Leaves
- Club Soda, to top
- Garnish: Mint Sprig & Lime Wheel
Instructions
- Muddle Gently: In a sturdy highball glass, add the mint leaves and sugar. Gently press and twist with a muddler just enough to release the fragrant oils. Do not shred or tear the leaves, as this will release bitter chlorophyll.
- Add Lime & Rum: Add the fresh lime juice and white rum to the glass.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the glass about halfway with crushed ice and stir briefly with a bar spoon, pulling the mint leaves up from the bottom.
- Top with Ice: Pack the glass to the top with more crushed ice.
- Top with Soda: Top off the drink with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish: Slap a fresh mint sprig between your palms to release its aroma, then place it in the glass along with a lime wheel.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Art of the Muddle: The most common mistake when making a Mojito is over-muddling the mint. You only want to gently bruise the leaves to release their essential oils. If you tear them into small pieces, your drink will have a bitter, grassy taste and be full of unpleasant green flecks.
Crushed Ice is Key: While cubed ice works, crushed ice is traditional for a reason. It chills the drink rapidly and provides a pleasing texture that makes the Mojito so refreshing. If you don't have an ice crusher, you can place cubes in a clean towel and carefully smash them with a mallet or rolling pin.