How to make a perfect Cuban mojito

How to make an authentic mojito .

This cocktail so famous worldwide makes the homeland of Cuba, the country that saw it born.

The mojito is one of the most popular drinks in the cocktail bar and since its invention numerous versions have emerged that vary from the original.

But to really enjoy the flavor of this yummy cocktail , it is necessary to know step by step how it is prepared, what ingredients it has and above all those little tips that the Cuban Johan Mallol will give us to prepare a mojito with perfection, energy and passion that comes directly from Havana.

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The mojito, a little history

The mojito is not usually considered a classic cocktail but that makes it no less important and indeed is perhaps famous because of its popularity, we can say that rivals directly with the caipirinha , the sangria , the daiquiri and pisco sour . 

Origin of the mojito. We talk about Cuba

Cuba is undoubtedly the cradle of mojito, despite the fact that the exact origin of this classic cocktail is always under debate.

One of the stories tells that the mojito dates back to the 16th century, it is believed that its roots go back even to the year 1586, when a group of pirates called it ” El Draque “, in honor of the English pirate and slave trader Francis Drake.

Whatever the origin of its name, the mojito was made with tafia, a primitive predecessor of rum, a cane brandy, using the other ingredients to disguise its harsh taste.

There is no doubt that the drink improved substantially during the 19th century, with the introduction of copper stills and the aging process that led to the modern form of rum.

This cocktail became known as a drink with ‘ a little bit of mojo ‘, where the addition was the pieces of lime, colloquially it got the name of mojito . 

How to make the perfect mojito

To make a perfect mojito, you will need 6 essential ingredients : quality r on, peppermint, fresh lime, white sugar, ice and soda.

Without them, it would be impossible to achieve a true mojito. I leave you with the step by step to prepare a mojito in good condition, no strange basil from university parties or excessive birthdays.

A cocktail easy to understand, with a good balance between acid, sweet and aromatic, perfect to celebrate and refresh. 

Preparation of the official Cuban mojito recipe

There is an official recipe, that of the IBA (International Bartender’s Association) , although I rely more on the good judgment of the bartender Johan Mahol. 

A ‘standard’ size mojito but, yes, totally irresistible! You will have it ready in just five steps , prepare it with love and care to truly enjoy a Cuban experience.

1. Much of a mojito’s secret is peppermint or mint (peppermint is a type of peppermint), although I like the taste and aroma of peppermint better.
2. During maceration, be careful and do not destroy the leaves, the idea is that their aromas and essences are released.
3. We put sugar in the bottom of the glass. The glass must be glass, Collins type or Fizz type (like the one in the photo). The mojitos are made directly on the glass, without the need for a cocktail shaker. We pour the lime juice and with the mortar or a bar spoon, dilute the juice with the sugar.
4. We tap the mint leaves a little to release their aroma and mash them a little with a pestle, pressing them against the sugar at the bottom. They should not be totally broken and crushed, because then the mojito is unpleasant to drink.
5. Add the lime wedges to the bottom of the mojito and give it a few touches of mortar to release its juice a little. These pieces of lime will give it a more acidic and even more aromatic touch, but you must be careful because for many it may be too acidic.
6. We pour the rum and fill the glass with crushed ice. Using plenty of crushed ice is the best option because the ice occupies larger dimensions in the glass and makes it cooler. Fill the cocktail with soda until complete, a few drops of narrowness (optional) and stir gently. 
7. Never add bitter, ginger ale, lemonade or tonic to the preparation, do not spoil the mojito (if you had better go without soda). The soda will cool the mojito more quickly.

Decorate with a mint or mint branch, a lime wedge and serve with a straw.

Remember that the mojito recipe belongs to the glorious school “he who admits” or “you will see it” of the mothers, although here you have the base from which to start.  Enjoy wisely!

I invite you to take a look at this video on how to make the perfect mojito.