This recipe for a real mojito is from the mixology class on Master Class. I bought the unlimited 1 year subscription during quarantine and thought what the heck, I might as well learn something while I’m home. So far I have watched Anna Wintour, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Alice Waters, Chris Voss and now the mixology class.
I decided to make these mojitos because of the abundance of mint I have growing in my herb garden. It has kind of taken over. I have spearmint, seen here, and orange mint. I doubt I will be able to drink enough mojitos to use up all of the mint I have….or if I do, I may need some serious help! Mojito’s for everyone!
This recipe is very simple. It uses 2:1 simple syrup which I find I prefer to 1:1 simple syrup. It is just simple syrup with double the sugar to water ratio. Example is 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, cook until sugar is dissolved and cool.
Mojitos are one of my favorite summer drinks because the mint is so refreshing and rum is a favorite in many beach drinks. While this seems to have a lot of ice, trust me, as it melts the drink gets better and better. This drink is made for sipping not speed drinking. Using crushed ice is key to the perfect mojito.
I left the mint leaves whole and gently stirred them throughout the drink, instead of muddling them in the bottom of the glass. Stirring the mint throughout the glass gives the drink a milder mint flavor and no mint flakes in your teeth! Bonus. I also used fresh squeezed lime juice, but certainly use whatever you have on hand.
This recipe is for one drink, but can be easily multiplied for parties by the pitcher. Adjust the ratios to fit your tastes. Have fun with it! And enjoy your summer.
Wishing you all a peaceful summer~
Real Mojito Recipe
Real Mojito
Equipment
- 1 tall highball glass
- 1 long spoon
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2.5 ounce white rum
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves plus some for garnish
- Lots of crushed ice
Instructions
- Separate the mint leaves from the stems. Keep the top of the stem for garnish.
- Drop leaves in a tall highball glass
- Add remaining ingredients, except the ice, and stir to combine
- Fill glass half full with crushed ice
- Stir with a long spoon to pull the mint leaves up through the ice
- Once mint and drink mix has been incorporated through the crushed ice, fill remaining glass with more crushed ice.
- Garnish with mint stem topper
- Enjoy!
Video
Tips for making Real Mojito
I can’t help but get poetic when I think about the Real Mojito. You know those lazy Sunday afternoons when the sun is shining, and the world seems to slow down in reverence of its brilliance? That’s how it feels to taste a Real Mojito. It’s the embodiment of summer, a liquid metaphor for joy and relaxation.
You see, the Real Mojito isn’t just another drink on the menu; it’s a story of culture and tradition. A sip of this refreshing blend transports you to the vibrant streets of Havana, with its rich heritage and lively people. So, as you prepare your Real Mojito, imagine that you’re not just in your kitchen but under the clear, blue Cuban sky, blending flavors as timeless as the land itself.
Serving Suggestions
Now, let’s talk about serving this masterpiece. You might think, “It’s a cocktail, I’ll just grab a glass.” Ah, but not so fast, my friend. To truly appreciate the Real Mojito, you need a highball glass. It’s tall and slender, just like the palm trees swaying in the Caribbean breeze. Fill it up with crushed ice, not cubes. This will ensure your Mojito stays super chilled without diluting the punchy flavors too quickly.
After you’ve carefully crafted your Real Mojito, add a sprig of fresh mint and a slice of lime to the rim of your glass for that final flourish. It’s not just garnish; it’s an invitation to a sensory journey. The fragrance of the mint, the tanginess of the lime – they’re like a drumroll before the main event.
Cooking Tips and FAQs
But as simple as it is, making a Real Mojito also requires a bit of finesse. Here are some tips to ensure your Mojito-making experience is as enjoyable as sipping the final product.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: This is non-negotiable. Fresh limes, mint leaves, and good quality rum – these are the soul of your Mojito.
- Don’t Overdo the Mint: Mojitos need mint, but too much of it can overpower the other flavors. A gentle muddle to release the aromatic oils is all it takes. No need to pulverize the poor leaves!
- The Right Rum: A Real Mojito calls for white rum. It’s light, crisp, and allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through.
Now you might wonder, “Can I make a batch of Mojito in advance?” Well, not exactly. Preparing your Mojito just before serving ensures maximum freshness and fizz. But if you’re hosting a party, you can pre-mix the lime juice, sugar, and rum, then add the soda water and ice just before serving.
The Perfect Endnote
As the sun sets and the cool evening breeze replaces the warmth of the day, take a moment. Feel the condensation on your glass, the coolness seeping into your fingers. Listen to the symphony of ice cubes clinking against each other as you lift your Real Mojito to your lips. Take a sip. Let the rich flavors dance on your tongue. Revel in the sweetness of sugar, the sharpness of lime, the subtlety of mint, and the kick of rum.
That is the Real Mojito experience. It’s not just about a drink; it’s about capturing the spirit of summer in a glass and savoring it one sip at a time. Now that you have these tips and insights, you’re ready to embark on your own Mojito journey. Here’s to making moments and memories – Cheers!
Remember, the Real Mojito isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. So, lift your glasses, my friends, and let’s toast to the joy of living and the art of savoring every moment.