Mojito - Cuban legend

Mojito - Cuban legend

We talk a lot about Cuban cigars (and won't stop discussing them in future) but never mention any drinks of Cuban origin, only when pairing them with cigars. I felt we should do something to fill this gap and decided to say a few words about Mojito - one of the most popular cocktails in the world currently.

Cuba is considered to be the motherland of this drink where it first appeared in the 1800's. However, though most experts incline to its Cuban origin, some consider it was invented in 16th century by English pirate Sir Richard Drake who called it "El Draque" in name of his boss Sir Francis Drake. He took aguardiente (similar to rum with a little different taste), sugar, lime and mint and enjoyed a refreshing cocktail on the board. The drink has reached Cuban land with the pirates sacking for Havana's gold and penetrated its culture, becoming its flagship drink.

By the end of the 19th century interest to mojito has aroused again, making it one of the most popular among Cuban beau monde and famous people who went there in search of fine Cuban cigars and strong drinks like rum and mojito. ;)

Ernest Hemingway, the popular American author, was among those who was fond of the drink and used to consume it in large quantities in the Havana bar "La Bodeguita del medio" - famous for Hemingway's presence. "The old man and the sea" creator wrote the following lines: "My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita" that could still be seen on the wall of the bar.

In the 1940 the Cuban dramatist and poet Federico Villoch said his monumental phrase: "`When aquardiente was replaced with rum, the Draque was to be called a Mojito", meaning the mojito has finally acquired its modern look.

The recipe below is for the classical cocktail Mojito (source- Wikipedia) which could be easily prepared at home:

Ingredients:

4.0 cl White rum

3.0 cl Fresh lime juice

3 leaves of Mint

2 teaspoons Sugar

Soda Water

Preparation:

Usually prepared in a Collins glass. Mint sprigs muddled with sugar and lime juice. Rum added and topped with soda water. Garnished with sprig of mint leaves. Served with a straw.

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