That’s right. Summer is here! And with that comes warmer weather!
And, with warmer weather comes the need to quench thy thirst. So how about a little thirst quenching in an adult kind of way – maybe with a Mojito? Have you ever had one?
Fresh mint is a must…
And since we are into ‘cocktails by Clemens’, guess who got a whole pail full for Father’s Day?! 😉
Romantic, right? You see, we have herbs growing outside that came with this house, and one of them looks kind of like mint… but when we used it in our first Mojitos of the season… well, it turned out to be lemon balm! Didn’t taste so bad, but definitely lacked the full on Mojito mojo!
Limes. You have to have fresh limes for this quenching summer drink.
Source: Recipe Girl
There are other ingredients, too, and I’ll get to those with a recipe at the end. But you also need tools, like a muddler. This is what our muddler looks like.
It’s literally a Mojito muddler, not that the mint leaf graphic suggests that or anything 😉 , but you can use any muddler you have on hand, and even a spoon will do.
All you need to do is gently mash the mint leaves and lime, you know, just enough to release the essential oils of the mint, and the inner essence of the lime (that would be the juice!).
Just make sure you don’t shred the mint when you mash.
Source: Liqurious
We like to use a lowball glass, and I prefer to go with vintage!
However, Mojitos are usually served in a highball glass like this…
Source: Share the Joy
Or a stemless hurricane glass like this.
Source: Closet Cooking
It’s fun to use a hurricane glass with a stem, too!
But I bet what you’re really looking for is Mojito know how, not the glass it’s in, right?
Here’s a quick little recipe to get you started, but remember, there are lots of variations out there. I’ve gone with Bacardi’s original recipe mainly because my Dad drinks Bacardi, so we usually have it on hand! But… one of our close friends suggested we try Havana Club Rum, so our little secret is that we did, and that’s what we use instead 😉
ORIGINAL BACARDI MOJITO
1 part (1.5 oz) Bacardi Rum
3 parts (4.5 oz) Club Soda
12 fresh Mint Leaves
1/2 fresh Lime (cut into quarters)
2 tbsp simple syrup or 4 tsp granulated sugar (we use simple syrup)
(simple syrup = premixed equal parts granulated sugar and hot water)
- Place mint leaves and lime into glass, and gently muddle
- Add simple syrup *if you’re using granulated sugar, add it before muddling
- Top with ice
- Pour rum over top
- Top with soda
- Stir gently, just enough to lift mint leaves up
- Garnish with lime, and sprig of mint on top
If you want to see how this drink is made, check it out here. It’s just a short video, but adds in all the extra tips you might want to know!
And voila!
Source: Pinterest
Notice the glasses are rimmed with sugar? That’s not usually part of the traditional Mojito, but it certainly can’t hurt it!
Did you know you can also make a virgin Mojito for the drivers, non-drinkers and young ones in the crowd? Follow all the same steps using the same ingredients, but leave out the rum. So simple, and it’s a sparkling, zesty, and refreshing drink every time!
Source: Linda Wagner Blog
Love the idea of serving a Mojito in a Mason jar. There’s something about it that just feels like summer!
Do you like Mojitos? Do you have a special recipe, or any extra tips to share?
BTW – My friend Kelly over at Eclectically Vintage is of Cuban descent, and if you really want an authentic Mojito recipe, she shares hers here!
The pail of mint will have to be planted outside along with the other herbs, because one thing we know is that mint grows like crazy. But I thought the pail was sweet, and figured we could use it to gather our fresh herbs, and our tomatoes, too!
Cheers to summer!
PS – a little interesting Wikipedia fact…
Did you know that the Mojito was a favorite drink of author, Ernest Hemingway? In fact, he made the bar called La Bodeguita del Medio famous because he became one of its regulars and he wrote ‘My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita.’ And you know what, this expression in English can still be read on the wall of the bar today, in Hemingway’s handwriting!
Thanks for stopping by… happy muddling!
All photos by Sheila Zeller unless otherwise indicated below each image.
I will be over as soon as the sun peeks around the corner
We’ll be waiting! 🙂
YUM! I’ll take two.
To start.
Coming right up! 😉
YUM …….. one of my favorite drinks. So refreshing. I love the mint plant in the bucket!!! I just bought a chocolate mint plant. Yup, smells like chocolate mint!
How cool – a chocolate mint plant! Do you have it inside, or are you planting it outside? What a great aroma to have close-by!!! 🙂
That’s cool about Hemingway’s quote 🙂 The mojitos look cool and refreshing in all the different shapes of glasses. My favourite summer drink (or any-time-of-the-year drink!) is a strawberry daiquiri made with Bailey’s instead of rum. It’s sooooooo good!
{Wish there was sun to enjoy here at the cottage, but it’s raining at the moment. And it’s almost midnight 😉 Hopefully the sun will come back tomorrow morning…. }
PLEASE SUMMER COME OUT TO PLAY!! These look Delic and I want one.. in the sun.. on a beach..
i will be right over for one! : ) they look totally amazing…hmmmmmm i was thinking tea with my new mint plant but… ; ) thanks for sharing!!! hugs…
I’ll have one poured, ready and waiting! Wouldn’t that be way too much fun 🙂
Love mojitos, especially on a hot summer day. I tried a pomegranate and cucumber version of a mojita the other day and it was really refreshing.
I’ve been wondering about trying some of the different versions out there, and one of the ones is with raspberry, but haven’t made the leap yet… Maybe I’ll give it a try 🙂
Thanks for the recipe Sheila! Yumm!! I love summer drinks in the mason jars too. How precious are the salt and pepper shakers from your daughter! I too love the memories of objects I have! Thanks for sharing!
All we need on this side of the country is the sunshine! The rest is good to go, including Mason jars!!! 🙂
MMMMMmmmm…you’ve got me on this one. I love mojitos but I’ve never made them myself – just got them out. I’ve thought about making them just haven’t yet. But my mouth IS watering right now.
Once you make them at home, suddenly it’s all systems go! They are so refreshing on a hot day, and seriously, so simple to make. I bet you’ll be giving them a go before the summer is out… what do you think, will I lose the bet? 😉
Discovered Mojitos in Mexico a few years ago and fell in LOVE with this wonderful, refreshing beverage. I drink the virgin variation and don’t think any flavor is sacrificed by leaving out the alcohol. Will definitely try this at home! LOVE the bucket too!
Hi Sheila,
We spent a few weeks in Cuba and had our fair share of Mojitos! Their traditional recipe includes a few drops of Aromatic Bitters. The brand name we can buy in the grocery stores here in Angostura. The key is only a FEW drops – this is not a case of more is better! Also, when I muddle my mint, I do it with the granulated sugar and it really brings out the essence that much more.
Oh, you’re making me thirsty… I think I’ll be drinking a few Mojitos this Canada Day long weekend. Enjoy!
Cori
Hi Cori!
Thank you so much for stopping by, and for sharing this tip 🙂
We’ve used Angostura in our Old Fashioneds, but haven’t ever thought to put it in our Mojitos. It’s so much fun to compare notes, and try something new! Thanks again!!!
I just posted my own mojito recipe recently!!! They are amazing – we have our own fresh mint too. Love your little bucket of mint.
My dad was just visiting and he had mojitos one night with dinner. He told us the story of Hemingway – my dad is Cuban so he has definite first had experience!
Kelly
I remember your article! And I’ve just gone back and read your recipe again, too. Now I want to try to make a Mojito the way you do… thank you for sharing!
Oh my goodness, I love mojitos! I almost had forgotten about them this summer, thanks for the reminder 🙂