The Best Way to Make a Mojito
When the temperatures rise, we could all use a refreshing drink. And that drink is the mojito.
“You are immediately transported to a place of tropical relaxation. A good mojito instantly lifts my spirits,” says Kyle Anderson Smith. He's the Spirits Honoree of the 2022 Iconoclast Dinner Series, Bar Manager at Etta Chicago, and Beverage Advisor at Camp Yoshi, so you know it for sure.Luckily we have the guide on how to make the perfect mojito. Light and refreshing, this blended Cuban mint cocktail is simple and summery. Because it has so few ingredients, getting it right is important. Here's everything you need to know to prepare the perfect mojito straight from the bartenders who do it best, including their tips on not messing it up!
The Anatomy of a Mojito
While the history of the mojito is disputed, it definitely has its origins in Cuba, the birthplace of rum.Made from fermented and distilled sugar cane or molasses, this liquor is the only alcohol in a mojito, making it super easy to make at home.
You probably already have the ingredients you need to make a mojito in your kitchen: rum, lime, sweetener, and mint leaves. If that's all!
Rum
Rum is the main ingredient in a mojito and many bartenders agree on which one to use. "Bacardi Superior is arguably the most accessible white rum for home bartenders and its popularity never wanes," said Georgia Thompson, bartender at The Copper Grouse in Manchester, Vermont.Club Soda
Your mojito needs a little sprinkle, so don't forget club soda (or bottled water). Don't add tonic as the quinine will change the flavor of your cocktail.
The Mess
Mojitos are considered one of the most disliked cocktails by bartenders because mixing mint leaves takes a lot of time and work. "I like to mix some raw sugar, simple syrup and the juice of half a lime with the mint. The sugar brings the flavor out of the mint leaves faster," said Joe Murphy, bartender at June Farms in West Sand Lake, New York.Another trick? “Separate the mint leaves from their stems, place in a cocktail shaker and shake over ice with lime juice and simple syrup to break up the leaves. This tip is helpful for those who don't necessarily have a pestle," Thompson said.
The Basic Recipe Use Thompson's recipe to make glass mojitos at home. She keeps it simple:
2 ounces light rum
1 ounce lime juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
5 mint leaves
Lemonade
Mint leaf or sprig for garnish
Crushed lime juice, simple syrup and mint leaves or like shake recommended above.
Shake all ingredients except lemonade in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Double strain into a Collins glass.
Fill with fresh ice.Top up with sparkling mineral water
With simple ingredients and knowing how to mix them properly, you can scale these babies in the jug. "Mojitos are perfect for entertaining," says Thompson. Just don't add the club soda "until you pour it into individual glasses to prevent it from running out," Thompson said.
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