It is fun to say and even more enjoyable to drink! This traditional Cuban drink is perfect for summer, has excellent visual appeal, is refreshing, and isn’t too challenging to make at home! Join us as we explore the history behind the Mojito and how to create one.
Like many other Caribbean-based drinks, the Mojito finds its roots in Havana, Cuba. However, nailing down the exact origins and creation date is slightly less certain. Some attribute it to South American Indians looking for various remedies for tropical illnesses; others argue that African slaves that worked in the sugar cane fields during the 19th century should be credited with creating the Mojito.
There are several more theories behind the name mojito. Some say the name relates to mojo, a Cuban seasoning made from lime and used to flavor dishes; others say the name is simply a derivative of the Spanish word mojadito, or “lightly wet.”
Regardless of the origin of the drink or its name, the Mojito has routinely been presented as the favorite drink of author Ernest Hemmingway and is one of the most popular cocktails in both Britain and France.
The Mojito is considered a highball. A highball is any mixed alcoholic drink composed of an alcoholic base spirit and a more significant proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer. The name comes from the practice of serving drinks of this nature in tall glasses on the dining cars of steam-powered trains. When the engine would get up to speed, and the temperature ball rose to show the boiler pressure at its highest level, engineers would say the engine was “highballing.”
The Mojito consists of five ingredients. White rum (for more about rum check out this blog: https://nachohippo.com/2020/08/25/the-rum-is-not-gone/), sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice – simple syrup is frequently used in place of sugar cane juice), lime juice, soda water, and mint.
Mixing a mojito starts by adding ¾ ounce of simple syrup and two springs of mint into a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, gently mash the mint to create a gentle bruising of the leaves. This helps to release the flavors and essential oils from the leaves. Next, add 2 ounces of white rum and ¾ ounces of fresh lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice, cover, and shake aggressively until the outside of the shaker is extremely cold to the touch. This will take about 20 seconds. Once cold, strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer or a slotted spoon into a tall Collins glass filled with ice. Top off the glass with club soda, garnish with more mint, and then enjoy!
At Nacho Hippo, our Hip-Jitos are a play on traditional mojitos and feature Bacardi Silver Rum, fresh mint, a dash of our signature syrup, a splash of soda, and your choice of fresh fruit puree. You can choose peach, strawberry, raspberry, mango, or pomegranate. The fresh fruit puree adds a pleasant flavor that is fun for your taste buds and is a delightful twist on a traditional cocktail.
Mojitos are fresh, flavorful, and fun. They are the perfect summer drink and pair well with anything found on the Nacho Hippo menu. We encourage you to come to try one today. We look forward to serving you soon!
At Nacho Hippo we have several cocktails that we feature on our menu, and we hope to serve one of them to you soon. If you are curious about what food items we feature on our menu to go along with our AMAZING cocktails, visit us online at www.nachohippo.com.
Did you know that Nacho Hippo is part of the Divine Dining Group family of restaurants? Check out our sister restaurants, view our open staff positions, and/or purchase gift cards for your next visit here: https://divinedininggroup.com/
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