Mojito Day – How to Make the World’s Best Mojito

Today is no ordinary weekday. No, No. Today is Mojito Day!  

Mojito Day is the day when bartenders around the world celebrate one the most beloved cocktails of all. The king of summer cocktails as bartender Rico would say. 

But hey, you don’t need to be a professional bartender to make a great Mojito. That’s right – making a delicious Mojito is easier than you think.  

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to make a great Mojito, today – Mojito Day – is the day to do it. All you need is Light Rum, Mint Leaves, Lime Juice, and Soda Water and ta-da! You’ve got everything you need to create an incredible homemade Mojito! 

The History of the Mojito 

The Mojito has its roots in Havana, Cuba, although its exact origin, like so many other cocktails, remains a mystery. 

According to legend, the invention of the Mojito can be attributed to a famous explorer who encountered a scurvy outbreak on his ship while visiting Cuba. To combat the illness, he stumbled upon a concoction that closely resembled the modern-day Mojito.  

Others claim that plantation workers in the Cuban Sugar cane fields created the drink from a simple Sugar cane alcohol called “Aguardiente de cana” (which translates as “firewater of the Sugar cane”). 

The Mojito: A Timeless Classic 

Fast forward several centuries, and the Mojito continues to captivate taste buds worldwide, enchanting cocktail enthusiasts with its tantalizing blend of flavors. Whether sipped in a bar or enjoyed in the back garden at home, the Mojito is a distinct and timeless elixir that transports you to Havana with every delicious sip. 

The combination of Fresh Mint, tangy Lime, and delicious sweetness from both the Light Rum and Simple Syrup creates a distinctive and harmonious blend that delights all the senses. Wow, the aroma of mint. Is there anything better? 

The Mojito has rightfully carved out a permanent place in popular culture, frequently making appearances in literature, cinema, and music. Its portrayal as the quintessential drink of carefree summertime bliss has solidified its status as a go-to choice for those seeking a taste of vacation wherever they may be.  

Whether it’s immortalized in the pages of a novel or sipped by the suave and charming lead character in an action film, the Mojito continues to win hearts with its distinct, vibrant tastes of summer and timeless sophistication. 

Traditional or Modern Mojito? Mix it up! 

The Mojito has undergone various adaptations and interpretations over the years. Some purists argue that the traditional recipe is the only way to truly experience the essence of the Mojito. 

On the other hand, modern variations incorporating exotic fruits, herbs, and even Flavored Rums have emerged, ushering in a new era of experimentation and innovation while paying homage to the drink’s roots. 

If you’re looking for an interesting twist and want to mix things up, we recommend swapping out the Light Rum for Vodka to make a Vodka Mojito. Take a look at our recipe for how to make a Vodka Mojito. 

How to Mix and Serve a Mojito the Right Way 

When talking about making a Mojito, it’s commonly thought that you should muddle the ingredients, especially the mint leaves. Muddling is essentially gently crushing ingredients, like herbs or fruit, to release their flavors in cocktails.  

However, as bartender Rico explains, “You don’t want to muddle the mint leaves because as soon as you start to do that you’re going to start getting bitterness from the chlorophyll or the green that’s  inside the leaves. All you need to do is give them a little slap and then straight away get some citrus juice on it”. 

Once you’ve mixed your Mojito, it’s time to serve it. And what’s the best way to serve a Mojito? A Mojito is best served in a tall, slender Highball Glass filled to the brim with Ice. Next, stir your drink using a Bar Spoon – or any other long and skinny spoon you have at home – to lift the Mint Leaves up from the bottom.  

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to garnish your Mojito with more Mint Leaves to really bring out the Mint aromas while you sip. The mint aromas are absolutely vital to the entire Mojito-drinking experience. 

So, there it is. Go on,  raise your Highball Glass and say cheers to Mojito Day! 

Ready to mix your own Mojito? Check out this Mojito recipe on Absolut Drinks or let bartender Rico walk you through how to make a Mojito.