Mojitos Done the Cuban Way

What are the mysterious origins of the iconic mojito cocktail?

The mojito was born in the tropical landscape of Havana, Cuba, though its precise origins are as clouded as the frothy top of a freshly-stirred mojito. Some stories trace it back to the 16th century when Englishman Sir Francis Drake came ashore in Havana. A concoction similar to the mojito, called 'El Draque,' was allegedly consumed for medicinal purposes.

Historians suggest the mojito, with roots in the Cuban sugar cane fields of the 19th century, may have been developed by African slaves who enjoyed Guarapo, a sugar cane juice. The cocktail, therefore, also serves as a reminder of a time of stark inequality, slavery, and the emergence of global economics.

Today, the mojito has become a symbol of Cuban identity, intertwining a past marked by slavery with its present-day popularity as a must-try tourist drink. However, it's also a reflection of the ongoing commoditization of culture and a tool for distinguishing economic and racial lines in contemporary Cuba.

The mojito we know and love today began to take shape in the early 20th century, as Cuba's sugar cane industry boomed and rum became a staple in Cuban cocktails.

Crafting Your Mojito

Now for the fun part: making your own mojito! Paying homage to this Caribbean classic wouldn't be complete without the satisfying clink of ice in the glass and the invigorating scent of fresh mint. Follow this traditional recipe to whip up your own Cuban mojito:

Ingredients:

• 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
• 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 1/2 fluid ounces of white rum
• 1/2 cup club soda

Instructions:

• Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass.
• Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice.
• Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.
• Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with club soda.
• Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.